The world premiere of Angela Carter’s Wise Children, directed and adapted for the stage by Emma Rice, will begin performances October 8 for a run through November 10 at London’s Old Vic, with opening night set for October 17. A U.K. tour will follow.
This is the first production from Rice's new company, also titled Wise Children. The cast is comprised of Sam Archer, Ankur Bahl, Stu Barker, Omari Douglas, Mirabelle Gremaud, Alex Heane, Paul Hunter, Melissa James, Bettrys Jones, Patrycja Kujawska, Etta Murfitt, Katy Owen, Ian Ross, Gareth Snook, and Mike Shepherd.
Based on Angela Carter's novel, the play follows Nora and Dora Chance, two chorus girls celebrating their 70th birthday as their father Melchior Hazard (revered as the greatest actor of his generation) and his twin brother Peregrine celebrate their 100th—though it’s unclear if Peregrine is still alive, or if Melchior is even their real father.
The production features choreography by cast member Murfitt, sets and costumes by Vicki Mortimer, lighting by Malcolm Rippeth, sound and video design by Simon Baker, and original musical by music director Ian Ross.
Flip through photos of rehearsals below:
