Cast and creatives announced for The Red Lion at New Wolsey Theatre & Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch

The New Wolsey Theatre has announced casting and creatives their new production of for Patrick Marber’s The Red Lion.

The hit West End drama will be staged at the New Wolsey Theatre from 7 – 23 September 2023, followed by a run at Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch, from 26 – 30 September 2023.

Directed by Artistic Director/Chief Executive Douglas Rintoul, the cast features Olatunji Ayofe as Jordan, Crispin Letts as Yates and Alastair Natkiel as Kidd.

The Red Lion takes the audience into the heart of a struggling semi-professional football club that is facing financial challenges. Unlike the glamorous world of the Premier League with its millionaires, celebrities, and media attention, this play delves into the realities of a different kind of football environment. The story brilliantly, sensitively, and humorously explores the dynamics of the changing room, exposing banter, laughter, despair, and raw emotions. Three generations of characters with individual goals and obsessions fight to be a part of something bigger.

The plot brightens with the arrival of Jordan, a talented young player, who finds himself caught between conflicting ambitions. Yates, the kit man and former club legend, sees Jordan as the key to returning to former glory days, while the manager, Kidd, is focused on delivering success with financial considerations in mind. Loyalty, trust, morals, and friendship are put to the test, raising the question of whether this is truly the opportunity everyone has been waiting for.

The production has sound design by Helen Atkinson, associate direction by Jamie Beddard, set & costume design by Zoe Hurwitz, fight direction by Haruka Kuroda, wardrobe supervision by Kira Tisbury, lighting design by Jack Weir and casting direction by Christopher Worrall.

Douglas Rintoul, Director of The Red Lion and Artistic Director/Chief Executive of the New Wolsey Theatre, said: “I can’t wait to stage this top-notch drama here in Ipswich. Football is central to the identity of the town as is the theatre. Bringing these two worlds together is perfect for our communities. With this excellent cast and team, The Red Lion is going to be a thrilling night out whether you are interested in football or not.”

For more information and tickets, visit wolseytheatre.co.uk or queens-theatre.co.uk