Orange Is The New Black star Uzo Aduba will make her London stage debut alongside Laura Carmichael and Zawe Ashton in Benedict Andrews and Andrew Upton’s The Maids when it receives its UK premiere next year as part of Jamie Lloyd’s latest West End season.
The double Emmy Award winner, who is best known for her role as Suzanne ‘Crazy Eyes’ Warren in the critically acclaimed Netflix series, will play one of the two title characters in the production when it begins its run at the Trafalgar Studio 1 on 15 February.
Fresh Meat’s Ashton will play the second of the fantasising housemaids in Andrews and Upton’s contemporary version of the Jean Genet masterpiece. The Not Safe For Work star returns to the London stage following her recent performance in the Donmar Warehouse’s production of Splendour.
Downton Abbey’s Carmichael completes the line-up as Madam. Though best known for her role as Lady Edith in the Julian Fellowes-penned ITV drama, the actress’ stage credits include Lindsay Posner’s 2012 West End revival of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya.
An intense psychological thriller seething with unique theatricality and brimming with intrigue, The Maids follows the story of Solange and Claire as they dream up dangerous and sadistic scenarios to kill off their employer.
Lloyd’s production, which follows his 50th anniversary staging of The Homecoming, will feature designs by his regular collaborator Soutra Gilmour.
US actress Aduba spoke about her excitement at working with the Evening Standard Theatre Award nominated director, saying: “I wanted to be a part of The Jamie Lloyd Company because they’re interested in doing exciting work that is new, with a twist to it. It’s work with a fresh edge. Jamie reinvents classic plays in a way that we’ve never seen before or have explored before. That’s exciting as an actor. To be part of a play that allows for three women to mine such complex characters inside of an already rich and thrilling story, is the stuff that acting dreams are made on.”
The Maids will follow the equally star-studded The Homecoming, starring Gemma Chan, John Simm and Keith Allen, which kicks off Lloyd’s latest West End season on 14 November.