Top trio star at Hampstead

First Published 3 August 2011, Last Updated 3 August 2011

Leading actresses Tamzin Outhwaite, Nicola Walker and Claudie Blakley are to appear together at the Hampstead Downstairs in fellow performer Amelia Bullmore’s new play.

Di And Viv And Rose, which is directed by Anna Mackmin and runs from 14 September to 15 October, is the tale of three friends who join forces aged 18. Life is fun and together they feel unassailable. The comic play explores friendship’s impact on life and life’s impact on friendship.

All three actresses have built strong reputations both on stage and screen.

Outhwaite is probably best known for her screen performances in EastEnders, The Fixer and Hotel Babylon, but also has stage credits ranging from Breathing Corpses and Flesh Wound at the Royal Court to Sweet Charity in the West End.

Walker is a familiar face from TV spy drama Spooks and cult hit Being Human, while her stage credits include Gethsemane and Season’s Greetings at the National Theatre.

Blakely is also a regular on the South Bank, where she has appeared in productions including The Cherry Orchard and Attempts On Her Life, though on screen she is best known for costume dramas Lark Rise To Candleford and Cranford.

Hampstead Downstairs is an initiative brought in by Hampstead Theatre’s Artistic Director Edward Hall to offer a development opportunity for new writing. It aims to give writers a chance to trial new work before a paying audience without the pressure of formal reviews or commercial interests.

While Di And Viv And Rose is playing Downstairs, Steve Thompson’s new comedy about America’s attempt to censor Monty Python will play in the main house. No Naughty Bits runs at the Hampstead theatre from 8 September to 15 October.

MA

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