The production will make its debut at the theatre’s Borough location from the 21st May until the 14th June.
Officially opening 23rd May, Radiant Boy is the latest play from Nancy Netherwood (Warm Lonely Planet, Goodnight, Mr Spindrift) and will be directed by Júlia Levai.
In addition, it has been confirmed that Stuart Thompson (Three Sisters, Ghosts, The Narcissist) will star in the production as Russell and Renée Lamb (Ain’t Misbehavin’, Little Shop of Horrors) will be playing Steph/The Voice.
North-East England, 1983. As a snowstorm rages outside, trainee singer Russell and his mother Maud await the arrival of a young priest, who believes Russell is a victim of possession.
Radiant Boy was the winner of the RSC’s 37 plays competition and features a soundtrack of traditional songs, North-East folk music and 80s New Wave. It is a story that explores faith, shame and queerness, and finding connection through art.
Talking about the news, Nancy Netherwood said today, “I’m beyond thrilled to be bringing Radiant Boy to life at Southwark Playhouse with such an incredible team both onstage and off. The intimate space of ‘The Little’ auditorium is perfect for an intense, claustrophobic exorcism story – we can really crank up the tension and eeriness, but hopefully you’ll also feel part of Russell’s journey of queer self-acceptance. I can’t wait to fill the space with North East folk music and 80s New Wave!”.
With support from Arts Council England, the production will also recruit two trainee producers, offer shadowing opportunities for ten industry newcomers and host a series of wrap-around events, including captioned performances. More information on this will be released shortly.
Meanwhile, the creative team behind the production will include: Set and Costume Design: Tomás Palmer; Lighting Design: Lucia Sanchez Roldan and Sound Design: Patch Middleton.
To book tickets visit: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/radiant-boy