The production is set to begin performances at the Duke of York’s Theatre from the 27th October.
The full cast has been announced for the world premiere of Marcelo Dos Santos’s new play which looks at a a pivotal moment in the 50 year relationship between the Queen Mother and her loyal servant William “Billy” Tallon.
Joining the previously announced Penelope Wilton as the Queen Mother and Luke Evans as Billy in Michael Grandage’s production are: Emily Barber, Iwan Davies, Ian Drysdale, Ilan Galkoff, Eloka Ivo, Michael Simkins, Nicole Sloane, with David Buttle, Amy Newton, Keanu Adolphus Johnson, Georgie Rhys and Jacob Ethan Tanner.
The production reunites Grandage with Wilton – they previously collaborated on productions of The Chalk Garden, John Gabriel Borkman and Hamlet; and with Evans who performed at the Donmar twice under Grandage’s Artistic directorship, in Small Change and Piaf. Also, Marcelo Dos Santos was an MGCfutures Bursary recipient from 2019 – a charity established by Grandage to support theatre makers across all aspects of the industry. Following their introduction via the bursary programme, MGC commissioned Dos Santos to write Backstairs Billy.
Set in 1979, when strikes are bringing the country to its knees and Britain is about to seismically change under Margaret Thatcher, it is business as usual for the Queen Mother and her loyal servant Billy inside Clarence House. Receptions are in full swing and the champagne is flowing as the two worlds start to collide with dizzying consequences.
Throughout the run, there will be £10 tickets available to purchase for every performance.
The creative team behind this world premiere production includes: Set Designer Christopher Oram;Costume Designers: Christopher Oram and Tom Rand; Lighting Designer: Ryan Day; Music and Sound designer: Adam Cork;Wigs, Hair & Makeup Designer: Carole Hancock; Casting Director: Jacob Sparrow;Associate Director: Sophie Drake and Costume Supervisor: Mary Charlton.
Backstairs Billy is booking at the Duke of York’s Theatre until the 27th January 2024. You can purchase tickets from London Box Office or London Theatre Direct.