News of the additions to the cast comes as the production also confirms a three week extension at the Duke of York’s Theatre.
The Jamie Lloyd Company’s production of Christopher Marlowe’s masterpiece is now booking until the 25th June, due to popular demand.
This news arrives as further casting has been announced. Doctor Faustus will also now include in its cast Jenna Russell as Mephistopheles as well as Jade Anouka, Tom Edden, Danielle Flett, Brian Gilligan, Forbes Masson, Craig Stein and Gabby Wong – all joining the previously announced Kit Harington in the title role.
The production will open for previews at the Duke of York’s Theatre on the 9th April, with two acts written by Colin Teevan.
Teevan’s dark but comical additions to the play, that replace the middle acts of the original (believed not to have been written by Marlowe) will revitalise this 400 year old play – transporting it to a celebrity-obsessed and greedy society, offering a new outlook that fits in with today’s society.
Faustus makes a pact with the Devil, selling his soul in return for the ability to perform anything he pleases with the power of black magic. This fatal decision catapults him into an intoxicating world of celebrity, as he becomes a world-renowned conjuror, international heartthrob and friend of the rich, famous and powerful. But what is the cost of his insatiable thirst for wealth and fame?
As well as Jamie Lloyd directing, the creative team also includes: designs by Soutra Gilmour, lighting by Jon Clark, music and sound by Ben and Max Ringham, movement direction is by Polly Bennett, with fights by Kate Waters.
Jenna Russell was most recently seen on stage in the critically acclaimed Grey Gardens at the Southwark Playhouse. Her extensive theatre work also includes: Di Viv and Rose (Vaudeville), Urinetown (St James and Apollo),Merrily We Roll Along (Menier Chocolate Factory and Harold Pinter) and Soho Cinders (Soho Theatre).
Doctor Faustus sees Jade Anouka making her West End debut. Her previous theatre credits include: Hotspur in Henry IV (Donmar Warehouse and St Ann’s Warehouse), So Here We Are (Manchester Royal Exchange), The Vote (Donmar Warehouse/Channel 4) and Moon on a Rainbow Shawl (National Theatre).
Meanwhile Tom Edden originated the role of Alfie in One Man Two Guvnors (National Theatre, West End, Broadway) for which he was awarded a Drama Desk Award and was nominated for awards at the Critic’s Circle and Tony Awards. Further theatre credits include Measure for Measure(Young Vic) and Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Apollo Theatre).
Doctor Faustus is the fourth production for the Jamie Lloyd company that Forbes Masson has been involved with, having previously appeared in productions of The Ruling Class, Richard III and Macbeth (all Trafalgar Studios).
Doctor Faustus will play at the Duke of York’s Theatre from the 9th April and is now booking until the 25th June. To book tickets visit: ATG Tickets, Ticketmaster.co.uk, Discount Theatre.com, Last Minute.com, Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk,Love Theatre.com, Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.