Hampstead Theatre has announced casting for the world premiere of Howard Benton’s Lawrence After Arabia, running at the Hampstead Theatre from the 28th April until 4th June. 

Directed by John Dove and commissioned to mark the centenary of the start of the Arab revolt, this new play by Howard Benton looks at what happened to Lawrence of Arabia.

August, 1922. The most famous man in England has vanished without a trace: T.E. Lawrence has completely disappeared. But in the idyllic calm of the village of Ayot St Lawrence, on the top floor of the home of Mr and Mrs Bernard Shaw, the ‘uncrowned King of Arabia’ is hiding – with slabs of homemade carrot cake for comfort.

Wearied by his romanticised persona and worldwide fame, disgusted with his country and himself, Lawrence is craving normality. But when you’re a brilliant archaeologist, scholar, linguist, writer and diplomat – as well as a legendary desert warrior – how can you ever be normal? And beyond the Shaws’ garden wall, nobody cares how he feels: England just wants its hero back. Can he ever return?

The full cast for the production includes:  Sam Alexander, William Chubb, Geraldine James, Khalid Laith, Jack Laskey, Rosalind March and Jeff Rawle. As well as John Dove directing, the creative team also includes designs by Michael Taylor, lighting by Mark Doubleday, and sound by John Leonard.

Lawrence After Arabia will play at the Hampstead Theatre from the 28th April until the 4th June. To book tickets visit: Discount Theatre.com, Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk , Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.