The production is based on Hanya Yanagihara’s critically acclaimed prize-winning novel.
Wessex Grove, Gavin Kalin Productions and Playful Productions have confirmed that Ivo Van Hove will direct the English language première of A Little Life, which will be performed at Richmond Theatre from the 14th to the 18th March, ahead of opening in the West End at the Harold Pinter Theatre from the 25th March, and playing until the 18th June.
A Little Life follows four college friends in New York City: aspiring actor Willem, successful architect Malcolm, struggling artist JB, and prodigious lawyer Jude. As ambition, addiction, and pride threaten to pull the group apart, they always find themselves bound by their love for Jude and the mysteries of his past. But when those secrets come to light, they finally learn that to know Jude St Francis is to understand the limitless potential of love in the face of life.
The production is set to star James Norton (Jude), Luke Thompson (Willem), Omari Douglas (JB), Zach Wyatt (Malcolm), Elliot Cowan (Brother Luke/Doctor Traylor/Caleb), Zubin Varla (Harold), Nathalie Armin (Ana), and Emilio Doorgasingh (Andy).
Talking about the news, Hanya Yanagihara said: “One of the greatest, most unexpected joys and honours in my life has been watching as more readers than I could ever have imagined have taken A Little Life and its characters into their hearts over the past seven years. One of those readers was the visionary Ivo van Hove, and I’m thrilled he’s bringing his interpretation of the book to London next spring, with the most extraordinary cast I could have hoped for. This is a singular production, unlike anything I’ve seen before on stage; I hope audiences will be as transported and astonished as I was.”
The creative team behind the production includes: Set & Lighting Design by Jan Versweyveld; Costume Design by An D’Huys and Music & Sound Design by Eric Sleichim.
A Little Life will play at the Harold Pinter Theatre from the 25th March until the 18th March. You can book tickets here.