Evanna Lynch to lead cast of Under the Black Rock at Arcola Theatre

Evanna Lynch will lead the cast of new play Under the Black Rock at Arcola Theatre.

Set in 80s Belfast around the time of the Troubles and featuring an Irish cast, the piece runs 6 – 25 March, with previews from 2 March.

Best known for her role as Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter films, Evanna Lynch will play Niamh Ryan, a woman who is drawn into the conflict as part of a community where no one is quite who they seem and anybody may be an enemy.

With twists and turns of plot, and laced with gallows humour, Under the Black Rock poses questions about family loyalty, morality and how young men and women are drawn into violence.

Also on the cast are John Nayagam (Emmerdale’s Hari Prasad), Flora Montgomery (Norma Major in The Crown, Irish Times Best Actress Award for Miss Julie), Jordan Walker (Live From Hell, Turbine Theatre), Matthew Blaney (Belfast, Not Now, the Finborough), Elizabeth Counsell (Veronica Bainbridge in Brush Strokes), Keith Dunphy (The Lovely Bones, Birmingham REP) and Glen Wallace (Malachy Fisher in Hollyoaks).

Under the Black Rock is by Tim Edge, who has spoken extensively to communities who were present in Belfast at the time, and directed by Ben Kavanagh. It is presented by Bluebird Productions and produced by Sam Edmunds. Further casting to be announced.

Evanna Lynch said: “I’m honoured to be part of this production of Under the Black Rock, a play that boldly and compassionately explores the topic of violent extremism during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, a period in history that even as a child I knew only to ask about in hushed tones.

“Even today, it’s a topic you learn to tread lightly around so I was moved by the way this play manages to prompt deep reflection of the past and its bearing on the future. I’m thrilled to be working with Tim and Ben to help tell this story.”

Playwright Tim Edge added: “I worked and travelled extensively in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. I still maintain a deep affection for the people of the six counties. They have endured so much and deserve the consolation of optimism and relative stability. The play is dedicated to them.”

For more information and tickets, visit arcolatheatre.com