Casting announced for world premiere of Jude at the Hampstead Theatre

It has been announced that the world premiere of Jude will be performed at the Hampstead Theatre, with full casting also confirmed. 

Inspired by the 1895 book Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy, the play follows Jude as she translates Ancient Greek on the spot as she is fired from her cleaning job. Offered a place to study Classics at Oxford University with immediate effect, Jude remains oblivious to the barriers which may halt her studies and achieving her lifelong dreams.

Jude is written by Howard Brenton, whose previous plays include Lawrence of Arabia staged at the Hampstead Theatre and Anne Boleyn which was performed at Shakespeare's Globe.

Isabella Nefar will lead the cast as Jude, previously starring in Goats at the Royal Court and Salomé at the National Theatre. Nefar is joined by Anna Savva whose performing credits include Measure for Measure at the Arcola Theatre and appearing in ITV sitcom The Durrells. Emily Taaffe will also appear in the production, with stage credits including Three Sisters at Southwark Playhouse and Royal Shakespeare Company productions of The Tempest and Twelfth Night. 

The cast is completed by  Paul Brennen, Merch Husey, Caroline Loncq, Luke MacGregor and Shanaya Rafaat.

Jude will be the last play directed by the Hampstead Theatre's current Artistic Director, Edward Hall. His previous productions at the Hampstead include I and You starring Maisie Williams, Cost of Living and Sunny Afternoon which transferred to the Harold Pinter Theatre.

Jude is at the Hampstead Theatre from 23rd April to 1st June.