Casting has been announced for the world premiere of Relics, a new play by Olivier Award nominee Ben Ockrent, directed by Michael Longhurst at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.
The production is a Lyric Hammersmith Theatre presentation, in association with Francesca Moody Productions and Chalk Hills, and will run from 18 June to 18 July, with a press night on 24 June.
Relics stars Charly Clive, JJ Feild, Sally Phillips and Sam Swainsbury as four siblings brought back together in their recently deceased mother’s home.
As they attempt to divide her belongings, a long-buried family secret surfaces, challenging their relationships and forcing unresolved tensions into the open.
The play is described as a darkly comic family drama exploring inherited legacies, personal choices and the compromises of adulthood.
Writer Ben Ockrent said: “It is the honour of my life that Relics will get to have its world premiere at the storied Lyric Hammersmith Theatre this summer. To have Michael Longhurst at the helm of this first production is additionally thrilling, and I am so looking forward to embarking on this journey with him. I also feel lucky beyond words to get to do this with a quartet of such phenomenally talented actors. Relics explores the fraught complexities of familial love and I can’t wait for audiences to meet the tender, funny and flawed family which Charly, JJ, Sally and Sam will serve up to them.”
Director Michael Longhurst said: “I’m excited to start rehearsing Ben Ockrent’s brilliant new play with this amazing group of actors. I think Ben has mined that primal, excruciatingly recognisable, tendency in us all to regress when forced to return to the family home. And what’s more fun than siblings behaving badly?”
Rachel O’Riordan, Artistic Director of Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, added: “It is always a thrill to programme a world premiere, and Ben Ockrent’s Relics is no exception. Directed by Michael Longhurst, this dark comedy explores the long shadow of family secrets, shared history and sibling rivalries. I cannot wait for audiences to meet this wonderful cast as they bring this delightful family drama to life on our beautiful stage.”
The creative team includes set and costume designer Joanna Scotcher, lighting designer Simisola Majekodunmi, sound designer Dan Balfour, casting director Anna Cooper CDG and fight director Bret Yount.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
