Ria Jones to star in ‘Habeas Corpus’ at Menier Chocolate Factory

The Alan Bennett comedy will begin performances in December.

Ahead of the first London revival of Habeas Corpus in 25 years, the inital casting has been revealed. Habeas Corpus is at the Menier Chocolate Factory from 3 December - 26 February.

The Habeas Corpus cast will star Kirsty Besterman as Constance Wicksteed, Jasper Britton as Arthur Wicksteed, Matthew Cottle as Canon Throbbing, Ria Jones as Mrs Swabb, Thomas Josling as Dennis Wicksteed, Caroline Langrishe as Lady Rumpers, Catherine Russell as Muriel Wicksteed and Abdul Salis as Mr Shanks. The cast is completed by Katie Bernstein as Felicity Rumpers, Kelvin O'Mard as Mr Purdue and Dan Starkey as Sir Percy.

Habeas Corpus follows Dr. Arthur Wicksteed, a general practitioner who treats his patient Felicity Rumpers in 1960s Brighton. At the same time, family, friends and sexual pleasures rule over decision making. The Habeas Corpus play is based on the legal term of the same name, which translates as "you shall have the body." 

Habeas Corpus is directed by Patrick Marber, who recently directed Leopoldstadt at the Wyndham's Theatre.

The Menier Chocolate Factory reopened its doors last week with Paula Vogel's Indecent. Upcoming productions also include Brian & Roger - A Highly Offensive Play. 

Habeas Corpus is at the Menier Chocolate Factory from 3 December - 26 February.

Habeas Corpus tickets are on sale now

^{Photo credit: Menier Chocolate Factory (Photo by Simopala on Flickr under CC 2.0)} 

^{Article Originally Published: 17 September 2021}