Charlie Dupré’s Compositor E to run at Omnibus Theatre this autumn

Omnibus Theatre has announced a new in-house production of Compositor E by Charlie Dupré.

Directed by the Artistic Director of Omnibus Theatre Marie McCarthy, the play is set to take the stage from 22 September – 7 October 2023, with previews from 19 September.

Compositor E is published by Methuen Drama and garnered a well-deserved longlisting for the prestigious Bruntwood Playwriting Prize in 2022.

Set against the backdrop of the 400th anniversary of the publication of the First Folio, the play delves into the remarkable journey of 17-year-old apprentice typesetter, John. Tasked with the monumental assignment of producing Shakespeare’s inaugural complete works, John grapples with the echoes of his tumultuous upbringing as he navigates through the intricacies of his craft.

Those on the cast are Tré Medley (John Leason), Kaffe Keating (Isaac Jaggard) and David Monteith (Richard Bardolph).

Compositor E is a heartfelt celebration of the immense power and sheer joy of language. This captivating production intricately weaves together the myriad of unexpected influences that leave their indelible mark on the tapestry of history. As the curtain rises on this compelling narrative, audiences are invited to explore the profound impact that words have on shaping and reshaping our world.

The production has design by Sophia Pardon, assistant design by Yijin Li, assistant design by Lila Vitos, lighting design by and videography Rachel Sampley, sound design by Adam McCready, stage management Meghan Smyth, dramaturg Sam Pout, associate direction by Chris Yarnell and assistant direction by Joanna Woźnicka.

Marie McCarthy, Artistic Director of Omnibus Theatre said: “When I read Charlie Dupré’s play set in 1623, I was struck by how relevant it is to audiences today: exploring themes around authenticity, creative agency and shining a light on the working-class people who shaped history – rather than just the traditional heroes we are taught about. In line with our 10th Birthday this Autumn, we look forward to creating a new production, which celebrates the stories we all have in us.”

For more information and tickets, visit omnibus-clapham.org