Casting for Proud Haddock‘s latest production has been confirmed ahead of its run at the Jermyn Street Theatre from the 31st October.
To coincide with the centenary of the end of of World War I, Proud Haddock will be reviving Billy Bishop Goes to War as part of their War Season and Jermyn Street Theatre’s Rebels Season.
Canada 1914. Billy Bishop signs up to fight in Europe and is soon in a military training camp. But one day, he spots a single-seater plane circling overhead. Overcoming intense prejudice and astonishing danger, Billy becomes the most successful fighter pilot of his generation.
This revival of of the drama, based on the true story of Billy Bishop, is set to star Charles Aitken (The Knick, Cinemax; Happy Death Day, Universal Pictures; King Lear, Royal Shakespeare Company) as Billy Bishop with Oliver Beamish (Coronation Street, ITV; Blood Brothers, Lyric Theatre; War Horse, The New London Theatre) as the Older Billy Bishop. Between them, the pair will also play a further 17 characters to bring this story to life.
The play was written by John MacLachlan Gray in collaboration with Eric Peterson and returns to London for the first time in over 35 years.
Director Jimmy Walters said: “Proud Haddock’s War Season continues with Billy Bishop Goes To War. This is a true story with lots of heart. Billy wasn’t the most academic student, was bullied at school and faced prejudice when he arrived in England during the First World War yet he overcame all of this to become the greatest fighter pilot of his generation. It’s an inspiring story that is a privilege to revive.”
The production’s creative team will also include design by Daisy Blower, lighting by Armin Friess, sound by Dinah Mullen and musical direction by Adam Gerber.
Billy Bishop Goes to War will play at the Jermyn Street Theatre from the 31st October until the 24th November. For more information visit: http://www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk/show/billy-bishop-goes-to-war/