Jemma Redgrave and Ewan Miller to star in premiere of Marek Horn’s Octopolis at Hampstead Theatre

Jemma Redgrave and Ewan Miller are to star in the world première of Marek Horn’s Octopolis at Hampstead Theatre.

Directed by Ed Madden, Octopolis will play Hampstead Downstairs from 15 September to 28 October 2023.

Professor George Grey is a brilliant behavioural biologist who, alongside her recently deceased husband, became world-renowned for her pioneering research into octopus intelligence. Mainly the intelligence of one particular octopus, in fact: Frances, who still resides in a large, purpose-built tank in George’s campus accommodation.

Into this house of grief walks Harry – an ambitious anthropologist, despatched by the university with permission to test his breath-taking new theory on Frances. The nature of his assignment is shocking to George, and threatens to tear her world apart in more ways than one.

The production has design by Anisha Fields, lighting design by Jamie Platt, sound design by Esther Kehinde Ajayi and movement and intimacy direction by Angela Gasparetto.

Director Ed Madden said: “I’m so pleased that Jemma Redgrave and Ewan Miller will star in Marek’s fiercely smart and soulful play, as scientists from differing disciplines who form an intense bond as they study the same octopus. Octopolis is a proper theatrical workout for the heart and mind and needs two stage animals at its centre; the whole team feel very lucky to have Jemma and Ewan on board, and to be the opening play in the new Downstairs season at Hampstead Theatre this autumn.”

“There were three people in my marriage. Dr Giscard… Three people and twelve legs.”

For further information and tickets, visit hampsteadtheatre.com