Almeida announce future shows and cast update

Almeida announce future shows and cast update

The Almeida Theatre has announced two new plays for 2004: The Goat or, Who is Sylvia? by Edward Albee from 22 Jan 04; & Festen David Eldridge's new English Language adaptation from 18 Mar 04; Also, casting update: Sinead Cusack & John Hannah in The Mercy Seat from 23 Oct 03.

The Goat or, Who is Sylvia? by Edward Albee, will open at the Almeida Theatre on 3 Feb 04, following previews from 22 Jan 04, and booking to 13 Mar 04. It is directed by Anthony Page and designed by Hildegard Bechtler. This play had its world première on Broadway in 2002, and was awarded the Tony Award for Best play as well as New York Critics' Circle, Outer Critics' Circle and the Drama Desk Awards.

In the same week as receiving an international prize, being awarded a lucrative contract, and celebrating his 50th birthday, Martin is forced to confess to his wife and son that he is involved in a relationship that will probably destroy his marriage, his career, and his life.

Festen David Eldridge's new English Language adaptation of Festen (The Celebration), opens at the Almeida Theatre on 25 Mar 04, following previews from 18 Mar 04, and booking to 24 April 04. It is directed by Rufus Norris and designed by Ian MacNeil.

Patriarch Helge Klingenfelt is celebrating his 60th birthday with his family at a magnificent old hotel in the Danish countryside. Gathered together are his loyal wife Elsa, his daughter Helene, and sons Christian and Michael. As the evening progresses Christian feels compelled to break the silence surrounding a dark family secret. The effect is explosive and sets the tone for a celebration no-one will forget.

Casting update: Sinead Cusack will play Abby and John Hannah plays Ben in the British premiere of Neil LaBute's The Mercy Seat, which opens at the Almeida Theatre 30 Oct 03, following previews from 23 Oct 03, and booking to 6 Dec 03. It is directed by Michael Attenborough and designed by Robert Jones.

Sinead Cusack's most recent theatre work includes Cleopatra in "Antony and Cleopatra" which was directed by Michael Attenborough for the Royal Shakespeare Company and "Our Lady of Sligo" (Out of Joint, National Theatre and Broadway) for which she won the Evening Standard and Critic Circle Awards for Best Actress. Her extensive work for the RSC has included Portia in the "Merchant of Venice", Beatrice in "Much Ado About Nothing" and Lady Macbeth in "Macbeth".

John Hannah's theatre work includes productions at the Young Vic, Glasgow Citizens, Newcastle Playhouse, the Royal Exchange, the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. His many films include "Memory of Water", "The Hurricane", "Sliding Doors", "Pandaemonium" and "Four Weddings and a Funeral".

12 Sep 2001. While the dust is still settling, Ben and Abby can choose to see what has happened as atragedy, a castastrophe...or an opportunity. With New York City choked with xeroxes of missing persons, this istheir chance to disappear - to be dead to the world or to start a new life.