Katori Hall's Pulitzer-winning The Hot Wing King officially opens its U.K. premiere at London's National Theatre July 18 after beginning previews July 11. Performances will continue through September 14 in the company's Dorfman Theatre. Roy Alexander Weise is directing.
The work is set at a Memphis Hot Wing Festival as Cordell, his partner Dwayne, and their friends Isom and Big Charles go for the crown. A family emergency derails their plans. The play premiered Off-Broadway in 2020.
Kadiff Kirwan stars as Cordell, with Jason Barnett as Big Charles, Kaireece Denton as Everett "EJ," Olisa Odele as Isom, Simon-Anthony Rhoden as Dwayne, and Dwane Walcott as TJ.
The production features set and costume design by Rajha Shakiry, lighting design Joshua Pharo, music by Femi Temowo, sound design by Elena Peña, and choreography by DK Fashola. Jacob Sparrow is casting director, and Samantha Adams is serving as drama therapist. Hazel Holder is dialect coach.
Visit NationalTheatre.org.uk.
