Haydn Gwynne to lead cast of Donmar Warehouse’s The Way of the World
Full casting has been announced for James Macdonald's new revival of the William Congreve play The Way of the World at the Donmar Warehouse.
Haydn Gwynne leads the cast as Lady Wishfort, a part originally due to be played by Linda Bassett who has been forced to withdraw from the production due to personal reasons.
The play follows Lady Wishfort and her dysfunctional family, and a £6,000 inheritance which relies on the marriage - subject to Lady Wishfort's approval - of two of the play's characters. The cast also includes Justine Mitchell, who is currently starring in Beginning in the West End, and Sarah Hadland, best-known for playing Stevie Sutton in the TV series Miranda.
The Way of the World will also feature Fisayo Akinade (Witwoud), Alex Beckett (Waitwell), Gabrielle Brooks (Mincing), Phoebe Frances Brown (Betty/Pig), Sarah Hadland (Foible), Jenny Jules (Mrs Marwood), Simon Manyonda (Petulant), Caroline Martin (Mrs Fainall), Tom Mison (Fainall), Justine Mitchell (Millalant), Christian Patterson (Sir Wilfull Witwoud), Geoffrey Streatfeild (Mirabel) and Nathan Welsh (Mirabel's Servant/Wishfort's Footman).
James Macdonald has previously directed Arnold Wesker's Roots at the Donmar, and was associate director at the Royal Court from 1992 to 2007 during which time he directed the plays Drunk Enough to Say I Love You, Dying City, Fewer Emergencies, Lucky Dog, Blood and Blasted.
The production will have designs by Anna Fleischle, lighting by Peter Mumford, sound and compositions by Max Peppenheim and movement by Francine Watson Coleman.
The Way of the World is at the Donmar Warehouse from 29th March to 26th May, with an official opening night on 5th April.
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