Cast announced for Michael Wynne’s Cuckoo at Royal Court Theatre and Liverpool Everyman
Casting has been revealed for the premiere of Michael Wynne’s Cuckoo.
Olivier and BAFTA-Award winning playwright Michael Wynne’s dark comedy will run at the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Downstairs from 6 July – 19 August 2023, before transferring to Liverpool Everyman from 6 – 23 September 2023.
Making up the cast are Michelle Butterly, Emma Harrison, Sue Jenkins and Jodie McNee.
Royal Court Artistic Director Vicky Featherstone directs the production with design by Peter McKintosh, with lighting design by Jai Morjaria and sound design by Nick Powell.
Doreen and her two grown up daughters sit at the table – eating fish and chips, distracted by their phones.
Upstairs, 17–year-old Megyn has locked herself in her grandmother’s bedroom and refuses to come out. And no one is entirely sure why…
Michael Wynne’s dark comedy explores the safety of home and the different ways we cope in our increasingly uncertain world.
Playwright Michael Wynne said: “Cuckoo follows three generations of a matriarchal family as they try to live their lives in what can feel like difficult and crazy times. They’re dealing with financial insecurity, economic decline, all pervasive technology and the potential impact of climate change – amongst other things.
“I was interested in exploring how different generations discuss issues and how having opposing opinions has become much more fraught – even within close families.
“The last few years have taken their toll on all of us and I came across this term historical narcissism. It forces us to question whether this really is the worst period of modern times, or if it’s just the way we’re living our lives – with news flashes pinged to us at all hours etc … or are we lacking in perspective?
“This might sound quite heavy but fundamentally it’s a comedy about a family trying to get on with their lives and each other.
“We’re also taking Sloane Square to Birkenhead and it’s going to be great to have the Liverpool dialect on stage – with a fully authentic all Scouse cast – before we head up to Merseyside.”
For more information and tickets, visit royalcourttheatre.com or www.everymanplayhouse.com
