Cast set for 'Princess Essex' at Shakespeare's Globe

Playwright Anne Odeke also stars in this new play based on the true story of the U.K.'s first Black beauty queen, playing a limited engagement this autumn.

Shakespeare's Globe has set the complete cast for its upcoming production of Princess Essex, running from 13 September to 26 October.

Playwright Anne Odeke will also star in her show as Princess Dinubolu, the real-life Senegalese woman who was the first Black contestant in a U.K. beauty pageant.

The cast also includes Matthew Ashforde as Mr Bacon, Nigel Barrett as Colonel Harris, John Cummins as King Edward, Alison Halstead as Batwa, Lizzie Hopley as Mrs Bugle, Tyreke Leslie as Mayor Pepper/Counsellor Bernard, Sophie Mercell as Mr Southend Standard, Syakira Moeladi as Counsellor Geoffrey/Elise, Jamie-Rose Monk as Mrs Bacon, Eloise Secker as Violet, Simon Startin as Mayor Ingram, and Yasmin Taheri as Harriet.

All cast members also play ensemble roles. Additionally, Janai Bartlett and Kyla Semper share the role of Eve.

“I'm aware it's not every day you get asked to write a play for the Globe's main stage and to be in it," Odeke said in a statement. "Though a daunting task, it's above all else, an exciting one, with the greatest privilege of all being able to share with audiences Princess Dinubolu's incredible story; a story that for over a hundred years remained hidden - a story of beauty, of belonging, and of authenticity.”

Robin Belfield directs Princess Essex in London. The creative team includes designer Hayley Grindle, composer Simon Slater, fight director Bethan Clark, resident assistant director Priya Patel Appleby, movement and intimacy director Ingrid Mackinnon, voice coach Ellen Hartley, head of voice Tess Dignan, and dramaturg Sarah Dickenson.

“With Anne’s play we have an opportunity to shine a light on a little-known piece of British history," Belfield said in a statement. "The story of a woman of colour, in Essex, in 1908, swimming against the tide. It’s a story we need to hear, from a voice we haven’t heard. I’m thrilled that we have such an extraordinary, brilliant, and diverse company to bring this hidden history to life for our modern ears.”

Book Princess Essex tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: Anne Odeke, Sophie Mercell, and Nigel Barrett. (Photos courtesy of production)