Cast announced for world premiere of Isley Lynn’s The Swell at Orange Tree Theatre

Casting has been announced for the world premiere of Isley Lynn’s The Swell at the Orange Tree Theatre.

The debut production, presented with Damsel Productions and The Women’s Prize for Playwriting, will run from 29 June – 29 July, with previews from the 24 June.

Hannah Hauer-King directs with a cast made up of Jessica Clark, Ruby Crepin-Glyne, Viss Elliot Safavi, Saroja-Lily Ratnavel, Shuna Snow and Sophie Ward.

Counting down the days to their wedding, Annie and her fiancé Bel are visited by an unexpected guest. An old friend of Annie’s: free spirit and troublemaker Flo, who announces she’ll be staying with them until their big day.

This surprise reunion evolves into a complicated love triangle with dangerous consequences that threaten to destroy Annie and Bel’s happily ever after …

The production has design by Amy Jane Cook, lighting by Elliot Griggs, sound design and composition by Nicola T Chang with assistant director Sam Woo.

Artistic Director Tom Littler said: “The Swell is funny, romantic, and tender, with a perfectly engineered plot: I couldn’t put it down. Isley Lynn has been building a reputation as one of the most exciting playwrights around: The Swell is set to be her best yet. I’m delighted that we’ve assembled this wonderful ensemble cast.”

Director of The Swell, Hannah Hauer-King, and co-founder of Damsel Productions added: “When Isley and I developed this play with Hightide back in 2017, we couldn’t have hoped for a better home than the Orange Tree. The in-the-round intimacy of the space is perfect for a play that manages to be both laugh-out-loud funny, and filled with tragedy and loss. And though it is a play that puts six queer female characters centre stage, it really is a play for everyone. The questions it asks about relationships, fidelity and trust, will resonate for anyone who has been in love.”

For more information and tickets, visit orangetreetheatre.co.uk