Jessica Hynes

Jessica Hynes to star in Caryl Churchill play at the Donmar Warehouse

Sophie Thomas
Sophie Thomas

Initial casting for Caryl Churchill's Far Away at the Donmar Warehouse has been announced, which will mark the play's first London revival.

First staged at the Royal Court in 2000, Far Away follows a young woman named Joan as she wakes up one morning to the sound of screaming. Intrigued by the screams, Joan discovers a new world that will impact her life, as secrets are hidden from her.

Jessica Hynes will make her Donmar Warehouse debut as Harper in Far Away. Best known for starring in television series include Years and Years and W1A, her theatre credits include an Olivier Award-nominated performance as Bolla in The Night Heron at the Royal Court and The Norman Conquests at the Old Vic and on Broadway, receiving a Tony Award nomination.

Aisling Loftus will play the role of Joan, with Loftus reuniting with director Lyndsey Turner at the Donmar after starring in Aristocrats. Theatre credits include Small Island at the National Theatre and Noises Off at the Old Vic.

Simon Manyonda will play Todd, recently starring in Actually at the Trafalgar Studios and returns to the Donmar after appearing in The Way of the World.

Further casting is to be announced.

The creative team of Far Away includes direction by Lyndsey Turner, scenic design by Lizzie Clachan, lighting design by Peter Mumford and sound design by Christohper Shutt. 

Far Away will be performed at the Donmar Warehouse as part of Michael Longhurst's inaugural season as artistic director. 

Far Away is at the Donmar Warehouse from 6th February to 28th March 2020.

Photo credit: Ewen Roberts (Flickr) under CC 2.0.

Originally published on

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