Sophie Melville to star in ‘Iphigenia in Splott’ at Lyric Hammersmith

The play was originally written during the austerity cuts.

Sophie Thomas
Sophie Thomas

The award-winning actress Sophie Melville will reprise the role of Effie in Iphigenia in Splott later this year. Iphigenia in Splott begins previews at the Lyric Hammersmith on 26 September, ahead of opening on 30 September, and performances to 22 October.

Iphigenia in Splott follows Effie, a young woman whose life is riddled by alcohol and drugs. She’s stuck in a vicious cycle of desperation until one night offers the chance to change everything.

Rachel O’Riordan directs Sophie Melville in Iphigenia in Splott. Speaking about the play, O’Riordan said: “This play is a call to arms and its relevance now is sharper than ever before. It delves into austerity and cuts; are we colluding as a society where some people get to live and others get to survive? What this play does so beautifully is give voice to something that we can all easily ignore.”

Iphigenia in Splott features design by Hayley Grindle, lighting design by Rachel Mortimer, and sound design by Sam Jones.

Iphigenia in Splott is at Lyric Hammersmith.

Photo credit: Sophie Melville (Photo by Jennifer McCord)

Originally published on

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