Cast update for Barking in Essex at Wyndham's Theatre

Cast update for Barking in Essex, a new comedy by Clive Exton, which opens at the Wyndham's Theatre on 16 Sep 2013, following previews from 6 Sep, booking to 4 Jan 2014.

Joining previously mentioned Lee Evans (Darnley) & Sheila Hancock (Emmie), are Keeley Hawes (Chrissie), Karl Johnson (Rocco), Montserrat Lombard (Allegra).

It is directed by Harry Burton, designed by Simon Higlett, lighting by James Farncombe, sound by Gareth Owen. Produced in the West End by Michael Edwards and Carole Winter for MJE Productions.

Freedom finally beckons for Algie Packer, Essex’s most notorious gangster. He’s done seven years inside and now he’s coming home to collect his booty - £3,672,000 in untraceable notes. But there’s something Algie’s family have forgotten to mention... The Packers are Essex’s lovable, but most dysfunctional family. Lee Evans is hapless, dim-witted Darnley, the village idiot of the criminal underworld, and Sheila Hancock is Emmie, his mother - the family’s Rottweiler with a hairdo. Witness the Packers as they desperately attempt to cover their tracks before Algie arrives to collect what is rightfully his.

Keeley Hawes is best known for her roles as Zoe Reynolds in Spooks (2002–04), Alex Drake in Ashes to Ashes (2008–10) and Lady Agnes in the remake of Upstairs, Downstairs (2010–2012). Hawes is also known for voicing various roles in video games, such as the iconic Lara Croft from the long-running Tomb Raider series.

- by Darren Dalglish