Hampstead Theatre

Hampstead Theatre announces new spring/summer 2018 season

Will Longman
Will Longman

Artistic director Edward Hall has announced a new season at the Hampstead Theatre, featuring three new plays.

The season opens with the UK premiere of Rajiv Joseph's play Describe the Night, which explores the blurred lines between truth, lies, fiction and conspiracy when it comes to Russia, and stretches across 90 years of Soviet history. It will be directed by Lisa Spirling, artistic director at Theatre503, and will run from 30th April to 9th June, with an official opening on 9th May.

Genesis Inc., a new play by Jemma Kennedy, will get its world premiere at the theatre in June. It explores 'the privatisation of human reproduction'. Kennedy has previously had work run at the New Vic and Unicorn Theatres, and is currently writing her first stage musical, Electric Ladies. Genesis Inc. will be directed by Laurie Sansom, former artistic director of the National Theatre of Scotland.

Fiona Doyle's play The Strange Death of John Doe will also get its world premiere, directed by Hampstead's AD Hall in May. Set in present day London, it centres on the mysterious finding of an unidentified body - known simply as John Doe - and the pathologists who must uncover his history. It runs at the theatre from 25th May to 30th June, with an official opening night on 5th June.

Announcing the season, Hall said: "Next year will mark Hampstead Theatre's 60th birthday. Since 1959, Hampstead has always committed itself to discovering and presenting a variety of top quality new plays by established, emerging or debut writers."

"As we approach a major milestone next year, I'm pleased to say that Hampstead's in a very exciting place, filled with talented, bold and ambitious creatives delivering world class entertainment to a vibrant and captivated audience. Long may it continue."

Photo courtesy Steve Cadman (flickr)

Originally published on

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