Emma Rice to Join Wise Children in Closing Weeks of U.K. Tour

Wise Children writer and director Emma Rice will take over the role of Nora Chance during the Surrey and Coventry stops of the production's U.K. tour this spring. She takes over from Etta Murfitt.

Rice is the artistic director and founder of the Old Vic's company in residence, also named Wise Children. The stage adaptation of Angela Carter's novel was the debut production of the company, premiering in October 2018. She formerly served as artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe and Kneehigh Theatre.

The play follows two twin chorus girls, Nora and Dora who are celebrating their 75th birthday the same day Melchior, their father, celebrates his 100th. As tales of showbiz are relived and unexpected family members arrive, the truth comes out in a piece that pays tribute to the style of Shakespeare and fairy tales.

"I can’t think of a better way to finish our debut tour than stepping into the limelight alongside our wonderful cast to perform in Richmond and Coventry," Rice said. "It’s an honor to share the stage with them and I’m very much looking forward to it."

The company of the traveling production also features Gareth Snook, Mike Shepard, and Katy Owen.

The show will play in Manchester, Bristol, and York before Rice joins the cast at Richmond Theatre in Surrey from March 26–30 and the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry April 2–6.

For tickets and more, visit TheOldVicTheatre.com.