It has been confirmed that the Park Theatre will present the world premiere production of Sam Bain’s The Retreat directed by Kathy Burke from the 2nd November. 

Luke, a former high-flyer from the City, is sitting in a remote stone hut halfway up a mountain in the Scottish Highlands.  He is on a meditation retreat, searching for the inner peace that so far has eluded him. The trouble is, not only will his mind not settle, but an uninvited guest arrives – his obnoxious older brother, Tony. Is Tony everything that’s wrong with Luke’s old life, or is he the only one who can really see into his soul? And is Luke’s quest for spirituality a way of transforming himself, or is it just another form of addiction? 

Sam Bain’s new comedy drama is set in a world in which people can never escape from themselves – or find themselves either.

Director Kathy Burke is best known for her television work which includes Ab Fab, Harry Enfield and Chums and Gimme Gimme Gimme. Meanwhile, her previous directing credits for theatre includes productions of Betty (Vaudeville Theatre), Kosher Harry (Royal Court), Out in the Open and Born Bad (Hampstead Theatre) and  Blue/Orange (Sheffield Crucible).

Meanwhile, Sam Bain along with Jesse Armstrong is best known for co-creating nine series of the Channel 4 sitcom Peep Show as well as  Channel 4 comedy drama Fresh Meat . His film credits includes writing Four Lions, co-written with Chris Morris, which premiered at Sundance and won the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut.

While casting has yet to be confirmed, the creative team is also set to include: set and costume design by Paul Wills with lighting design by Paul Keogan and sound design by John Leonard. The Retreat is produced by Debbie Hicks and Jesse Romain in association with Park Theatre.

The Retreat will play at the Park Theatre from the 2nd November until the 2nd December. For more information visit: https://www.parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/the-retreat