Zadie Smith’s ‘The Wife of Willesden’ to return to London

Clare Perkins will reprise the role of Alvita.

Following last year’s premiere, The Wife of Willesden will return to the Kiln Theatre this winter. Clare Perkins will also be back on stage, reprising the role of Alvita. The Wife of Willesden is at the Kiln Theatre from 14 December, with an opening night on 20 December, to 28 Jan. 2023.

“It’s such a pleasure to be able to bring back our hit production of The Wife of Willesden. To have another opportunity to share it with more audiences is a real treat,” said Kiln Theatre artistic director, Indhu Rubasingham.

The Wife of Willesden is an adaptation of Chaucer’s tale, The Wife of Bath. Now set in north-west London, the play follows Alvita who shares her life story to those around her in a local pub. For The Wife of Willesden, the Kiln Theatre auditorium is transformed into a local London pub, complete with pub-style seating.

In a The Wife of Willesden review for London Theatre, our critic said: “The show is hugely engaging as a song-and-dance ensemble piece, whether it's a twerking fest, group disco, or witty round-up of Greek myths… this is a welcome female showcase and a love letter to Smith's local community: vibrant, diverse and teeming with life.”

Clare Perkins will play Alvita, with a further cast to be announced. The piece features direction by Rubasingham, design by Robert Jones, lighting design by Guy Hoare, composition and Sound Design by Ben and Max Ringham.

The Wife of Willesden is at the Kiln Theatre.