• Review For Us
    • In London or across the UK
    • at Edinburgh Fringe
  • List Your Show
  • Advertising
  • Musicals
  • Plays
  • Ballet & Dance
  • Previews
  • First Look
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • Edinburgh Fringe 2025
    • Edinburgh Fringe News
    • Edinburgh Fringe Previews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • Edinburgh Fringe 2025
    • Edinburgh Fringe News
    • Edinburgh Fringe Previews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
No Result
View All Result
Home News

Cast announced for moving debut play, Too Many Books by award-winning journalist

by Staff Writer
January 17, 2025
Reading Time: 3 mins read
Too Many Books

Too Many Books

The cast has been announced for a heartful and thought-provoking debut play which explores the complexities of international adoption. Opening at Upstairs at the Gatehouse in February, Too Many Books, by award-winning journalist Judi Bevan, is inspired by lived experiences of adopting a child during the time of China’s one child policy. Spanning two years, the play follows the couple as they navigate bureaucratic obstacles, cultural differences and pressures on their relationship, whilst shedding light on issues of identity, cultural displacement and the emotional journey of parents seeking to create a family.

The cast stars Lucy Pickles (The Wasp, The Space; Acorn, Courtyard Theatre; The Feast at Solhaug, Barons Court Theatre) as Julia and John Sackville (Go Bang Your Tambourine, Finborough Theatre; Richard III, Headlong and Bristol Old Vic; Absolute Hell, National Theatre) as Daniel. Joining them is Sue Kelvin (Wicked, Apollo Theatre; Private Lives, Gielgud Theatre; Travelling Light and A Streetcar Named Desire, National Theatre) in the role of Cynthia, with Alexandra O’Neill (Sister Boniface Mysteries, Holby City and Doctors, BBC) as Zaydee with Carol Walton (Second Hand Problems, Camden Fringe Festival; Babylon Beyond Borders, The Bush Theatre; The Crown, BBC) as Chloe.

Actor, writer and director Christopher Hunter (RSC; Pablo Saura’s Love Lost, Toby Reisz’s Nothing To Lose, Sherlock, BBC) will direct the production, supported by set and costume designer Hannah Danson (Sabbath: A Tragedy of Witches, OSO Arts Centre; Treasure Island, Poole Lighthouse; Don Giovanni, Theatre im Delphi) and Lighting Designer Jonathan Chan (Snowflakes, Old Red Lion; Move Fast and Break Things, Camden People’s Theatre; The Flea, The Yard Theatre).

       

Set in the 1990s, Too Many Books tells the story of Julia and Daniel as they face stringent legislation whilst adopting a child from China. Inspired by real events, the audience follow the couple’s journey from the initial assessment, right through to the local council tribunal and ending with their trip to China to take home their adoptive child.

Writer Judi Bevan comments, I am thrilled to be bringing my first full-length play to Upstairs at the Gatehouse. The issue it covers is intensely personal to me and will be for many other adopters, would-be adopters and those people touched by adoption.

You mightalso like

Too Many Books

New play Too Many Books at Upstairs at the Gatehouse explores international adoption

Don't Destroy Me

Two’s Company stages forgotten masterpiece Don’t Destroy Me

More information can be found here

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

At Theatre Weekly we are dedicated to giving theatre a new audience. Our News, Reviews and Interviews are all written with the audience in mind, helping you decide what to see next. And when you have decided, our great ticket deals will help save you money too.

Related Articles

Too Many Books
News

New play Too Many Books at Upstairs at the Gatehouse explores international adoption

Don't Destroy Me
News

Two’s Company stages forgotten masterpiece Don’t Destroy Me

Bette Midler and Me SUE KELVIN
Edinburgh Fringe 2022

Review: Bette Midler… and Me at theSpace@Symposium Hall

The Cast of Driving Miss Daisy credit Alex Tabrizi
News

Barn Theatre’s Driving Miss Daisy Cast Announced

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Twitter Facebook Youtube Instagram

At Theatre Weekly we give theatre a new audience. You'll find our theatre news, theatre reviews and theatre interviews are written from an audience point of view. Our great value London theatre tickets will get you the best deal for your theatre tickets.
Theatre Weekly, 124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX
  • Join Our Community
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising

Recent News

Do All The Things Image Supplied by publicist

Edinburgh Fringe Preview: Do All The Things at Assembly Checkpoint

The City of Incurable Women Image supplied by publicist

Edinburgh Fringe Preview: The City for Incurable Women at Pleasance Courtyard

© 2022 Theatre Weekly

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Tickets
  • Digital Theatre
  • News
    • News
    • West End
    • Off West End
    • Regional & Tours
    • Digital
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
  • Edinburgh Fringe 2025
    • Edinburgh Fringe News
    • Edinburgh Fringe Previews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer

© 2022 Theatre Weekly