Josie Lawrence in Mother Courage and her Children

Josie Lawrence to star in Mother Courage and her Children at Southwark Playhouse

Will Longman
Will Longman

Award-winning actress Josie Lawrence is to star as the title role in a new production of Mother Courage and her Children, which will run at Southwark Playhouse.

Hannah Chissick will direct the new production of Bertolt Brecht's play, which has been translated by Angels in America writer Tony Kushner.

The play takes place between 1624 and 1636, with one scene representing each of the 12 years. It follows Mother Courage and her three children as she drags them along in a cart containing provisions for sale to soldiers.

Lawrence is known for her roles in the television series' Humans, Skins, and Sky 1's Stella, and has appeared on stage in The King and I (London Palladium), The Alchemist (National Theatre) and the RSC's The Cherry Orchard.

On taking the role, Lawrence said: "I first read Mother Courage when I was an 18-year-old drama student and immediately fell in love with the play. Now I feel ready to play her. It's a major tick on my theatrical bucket list."

The play is considered by some to be the best anti-war play of the 20th century, and was originally produced in Zurich in 1941. It was first performed in London in 1955 with Joan Littlewood in the title role, and six years later, Elizabeth Cutts took on the role in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Produced by Danielle Tarento, Mother Courage and her Children will have designs by Barney George, music by songwriter Duke Special, arranged by David Randall. It will run at the Southwark Playhouse from 2nd November to 9th December.

Read more about Mother Courage and her Children.

Originally published on

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