James Corden and Anna Maxwell Martin to star in 'The Constituent' at London's Old Vic

Tony Award winner Corden starred as Smithy in Gavin and Stacey, while BAFTA Award winner Maxwell Martin played DCS Patricia Carmichael in Line of Duty.

James Corden (One Man, Two Guvnors, The History Boys, Into the Woods) and Anna Maxwell Martin (Motherland, Line of Duty) have been cast in the world premiere of Joe Penhall’s The Constituent, which opens at The Old Vic in London on 13 June.

Olivier Award winner Penhall's political play stars Maxwell Martin as an opposition backbencher whose ideals of public office are tested by Corden. Old Vic artistic director Matthew Warchus directs.

Zachary Hart (An Enemy of the People, Masters of the Air, Julius Caesar) completes the cast.

Warchus said: "In a theatre once mainly renowned for classic revivals, I’m excited to present The Old Vic’s 25th world premiere since my tenure began in 2015 – this urgently topical new play from Joe Penhall set in a local MP’s constituency office. In a landscape of increasing threat, what place is there for empathy? Is an open door policy now dependent on stab vests?"

Penhall added: "I began writing this play four years ago, as I became fascinated and appalled by the growing antipathy towards elected politicians. But during lockdown it looked like theatre was done for, so when I showed a rough first draft to Matthew and he had such a confident vision for it, I was simultaneously thrilled and doubtful of our chances. It’s beyond exciting to be finally doing it and I feel utterly indebted to The Old Vic and everyone involved for getting us here."

Set and costume design is by Rob Howell and lighting design is by Hugh Vanstone. The rest of the creative team is to be announced.

The Constituent is at The Old Vic from 13 June — 10 August.

Check back for The Constituent tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: Corden and Maxwell Martin. (Photos courtesy of production)