Cast announced for Big White Fog at the Almeida

Cast has been announced for Big White Fog by Theodore Ward, which opens at the Almeida Theatre 17 May 2007, following previews from 11 May - running to 30 June 2007.

Cast includes: Tony Armatrading (Daniel Rogers), Lenora Crichlow (Claudine), Jenny Jules (Ella), Novella Nelson (Martha Brooks), Danny Sapani (Victor Mason), Ayesha Antoine (Caroline), Martin Barron (Patrolman), Aaron Brown (Nathan Piszer), Clint Dyer (Percy Mason), Tunji Kasim (Lester), Al Matthews (Count Strawder), Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Wanda), Susan Salmon (Juanita), Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Older Phil/Count Cotton), Gynn Sweet (Bailiff), Tony Turner (Marks/Lieutenant).

It is directed by Michael Attenboroug, designed by Jonathan Fensom, lighting by Tim Mitchell , sound by John Leonard.

Big White Fog is set in Chicago between 1922 and 1933 and follows the journey of members of the Mason family and the pursuit of their own ideological beliefs, as they steer a course through post WW1 racism and the Great Depression. Supported by wife Ella, Vic's loyalty is to Marcus Garvey's separatist Back to Africa campaign, while his brother-in-law Dan is committed to the American Dream, believing that the black community can prosper and succeed within the system.

Tony Armatrading has worked with the RSC in numerous productions, including Fair Maid of the West directed by Trevor Nunn, The Constant Couple directed by Roger Michell and Macbeth directed by Adrian Noble. His film and television credits include Notting Hill, The Saint, Colour Blind and Return to the River Blood, as well as regular parts in Grange Hill, Chalkface and Brookside.

Lenora Crichlow recently starred in the hit Channel 4 drama Sugar Rush as well as appearances in Doctor Who, The Bill and Bella and the Boys. Her film credits include Rehab and Wilderness. On stage she has performed in 93.2FM at the Royal Court.

Jenny Jules' theatre work includes Fabulation, Gem of the Ocean, Walk Hard, Talk Loud, The Promise and The Colour of Justice all for the Tricycle Theatre and Born Bad at Hampstead. Her television credits include Casualty, Golden Hour, Judge John Deed and I Saw You.

Novella Nelson was last seen on the London stage in Raisin in the Sun at the Young Vic and Lyric Hammersmith. On Broadway her credits include HavingOur Say, The Little Foxes, Caesar and Cleopatra, Purlie and Hello, Dolly! She has starred in numerous films including Antwone Fisher, Head of State, Clockers, Birth and Green Card.

Danny Sapani's numerous theatre credits include The Overwhelming and His Dark Materials at the National Theatre, Julius Caesar at the Globe, Macbeth at the Arcola Theatre directed by Max Stafford-Clark and Never Land directed by Steven Pimlott at the Royal Court. On television he has appeared in Blue Murder, Little Britain, Serious & Organised and In Deep, and will be seen in the new BBC series, Holby Blue to be aired this spring.

Photo credit: Big White Fog at the Almeida Theatre (Photo by Tristram Kenton)