The complete cast is now set for the U.K. premiere of Samuel D. Hunter's The Whale, starring the previously reported Tony winner Shuler Hensley.
Directed by Ustinov Studio Artistic Director Laurence Boswell, performances are scheduled for April 26–June 2 at Theatre Royal Bath's Ustinov Studio.
Hensley will be joined by Ruth Gemmell as Liz, Oscar Batterham as Elder Thomas, Rosie Sheehy as Ellie, and Teresa Banham as Mary.
Hensley originated the role of Charlie in the 2012 New York premiere of The Whale; Hunter's play won the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Play and the Drama Desk Special Award for Significant Contribution to Theatre.
The Whale concerns a reclusive online writing instructor who lives marooned on a couch. Weighing in at 600 pounds, he is slowly eating himself to death, but redemption may be within reach as he tries to reconnect with his estranged, sharp-tongued daughter.
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Hensley won both the Olivier and Tony for his role as Jud Fry in Oklahoma! His Broadway theatre credits include No Man’s Land/Waiting for Godot, Young Frankenstein, Tarzan, and Les Misérables. He also starred in the original West End production of Young Frankenstein.
Hunter’s playwriting credits include A Bright New Boise (Obie Award, Drama Desk nomination for Best Play), The Few, A Great Wilderness, Rest, Pocatello, Lewiston, Clarkston, and, most recently, The Healing and The Harvest.
