Bristol Old Vic has announced the cast for the world premiere stage adaptation of Max Porter’s acclaimed novel Lanny, adapted by Bea Roberts and directed by Artistic Director Nancy Medina.
Produced by Bristol Old Vic in association with English Touring Theatre, Lanny is the flagship production of Bristol Old Vic’s landmark 260th year and will run from 16 October to 7 November, with a press night on 22 October.
Set in a village not far from Bristol, Lanny follows a family newly arrived from the city whose young son awakens the attention of Dead Papa Toothwort, a mysterious figure listening from the woods. Reality and imagination collide in a darkly enchanting story exploring folklore, community and belonging.
Leading the cast are Hanora Kamen as Jolie, Raj Bajaj as Robert and Richard Cant as Pete. They are joined by Rupert Holliday Evans, Amanda Lawrence, Liam Bergin and Rose Wardlaw, with the majority of the company drawn from Bristol and the South West.
The title role will be shared by Atlas Johnson-Dutfield and Lucian Thomas, both making their professional stage debuts after being discovered through an open-call audition process.
First published in 2019, Porter’s novel was nominated for the Man Booker Prize and received widespread critical acclaim. Five years in development, the stage adaptation marks the first time the story has been brought to the theatre.
Roberts, whose previous work includes And Then Come the Nightjars, has adapted the novel for the stage, while Medina directs. The creative team also includes set and costume designer Rebecca Jane Wood, composer and musical director Dom Coyote, movement director Dan Canham, lighting designer Zeynep Kepekli and sound designers Elena Peña and Dave Price.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
