Almeida announce Tom and Viv casting

Almeida announce Tom and Viv casting

Casting has been confirmed for Tom and Viv, by Michael Hastings, which opens at the Almeida Theatre 22 Sep 2006, following previews from 12 Sep - running to 4 Nov 2006.

Cast includes: Will Keen (Tom), Frances O'Connor (Viv), Anna Carteret (Rose), Laura Elphinstone (Louise), Robert Portal (Maurice), Benjamin Whitrow (Charles).

Directed by Lindsay Posner, designed by Giles Cadle, lighting by Neil Austin, music and sound by Adam Cork.

The story of the relationship between T. S. Eliot and his first wife, Vivienne Haigh-Wood: Cambridge 1915, awkward American graduate Tom meets wildly exquisite Viv. Bewitched by her personality and class, enticed by his remarkable character, together they embark on a whirlwind romance. As Tom begins to find literary success, Viv's once-endearing volatility becomes harder to bear. Their hasty marriage becomes an impossible love story.

Will Keen's London theatre work includes Declan Donnellan's production of "The Changeling" at the Barbican "Five Gold Rings" at the Almeida, Tom Stoppard's "The Coast of Utopia" at the National Theatre, Neil Bartlett's production of "Pericles" at the Lyric Hammersmith.

Frances O'Connor last appeared on the London stage in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" at the Lyric Theatre, directed by Anthony Page. Her New York theatre work includes "Much Ado About Nothing", "The Lady from the Sea" and "Lady Windemere's Fan", all for the Manhattan Theatre Club.

Anna Carteret's recent London theatre work includes "Nathan The Wise" for Hampstead Theatre, "Absolutely! (perhaps)" at Wyndham's Theatre. She has worked extensively with Peter Hall and has been a regular player with the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her television work includes three series of Juliet Bravo, The Palliser, Sherlock Holmes and Peak Practice.

Laura Elphinstone's London theatre work includes Dominic Cooke's production of "The Crucible" for the Royal Shakespeare Company, "Breathing Corpses" for the Royal Court. Her film work includes the soon to be released The History Boys, directed by Nicholas Hytner.

Robert Portal has worked extensively for the RSC. His more recent London theatre work includes "Calico" at the Duke of York's Theatre and "Noises Off" at the Piccadilly Theatre.

Benjamin Whitrow, has performed extensively for the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and Chichester Festival Theatre. His film credits include Quadrophenia, Clockwise, Restoration, Damage and Brimstone and Treacle. His television credits include Murder in Suburbia, The Factory, Shackleton and Spoils of War.