The Royal Shakespeare Company has today released first-look images for its forthcoming production of Ben and Imo, a new play by Mark Ravenhill directed by Erica Whyman. The play, which runs in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon between 21 February – 6 April focuses on the often tumultuous creative relationship between composer, Benjamin Britten and Imogen Holst, daughter of Gustav Holst, whilst writing the opera Gloriana for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
The photos were taken at Benjamin Britten’s former home, The Red House in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, and feature actors Samuel Barnett and Victoria Yeates, who play the title roles. Photos taken by Hugo Glendinning.
The actors and creative team visited Aldeburgh in mid-January on a research trip exploring the house in which Imogen Holst lived, and The Red House, where Benjamin Britten lived with his partner, Peter Pears between 1957 until Britten’s death in 1976. Both homes are run by Britten Pears Arts, one of the UK’s leading arts and heritage charities based in Suffolk.
Set in 1953 in the lead up to Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, Britten has just nine months to write a new opera, Gloriana, about her predecessor, Elizabeth I. Into the world of the disheartened composer enters the exuberant and passionate Imogen Holst. Her candid and can-do attitude proves to be the perfect foil for the capricious and often maddening Britten, and what begins as an arrangement of practical support turns into a bond that not only sees Gloriana to its premiere but endures throughout the rest of their lives.
Talking about the visit to Aldeburgh, director Erica Whyman said: “It was a privilege to have the chance to walk in Ben and Imo’s shoes in Aldeburgh, exploring their favourite haunts, experiencing the brutal but beautiful coastline, and being guided through the most remarkable archive of their music and personal effects. It was an opportunity to immerse ourselves in these two fascinating lives – essential preparation for breathing life into Mark’s brilliant play.”
Samuel Barnett makes his RSC debut to play Britten. Theatre credits include: Feeling Afraid as if Something Terrible is Going to Happen (Bush Theatre), Rock Follies, The Accrington Pals (Chichester Festival Theatre), Straight Line Crazy, Allelujah (Bridge Theatre), Kiss of The Spiderwoman, Dealer’s Choice (Menier Chocolate Factory), The History Boys, The Beaux Stratagem, Women Beware Women, His Dark Materials (National Theatre), Twelfth Night, The History Boys (West End/Broadway), and Richard III (Shakespeare’s Glove/West End/Broadway).
On screen Samuel played the title role in Dirk Gently for BBC America/Netflix, and will soon be seen opposite Kate Winslet in forthcoming feature film Lee. Samuel’s TV credits include: The Amazing Mr Blunden (Sky), Murder in Provence (Britbox), Twenty Twelve and Beautiful People (BBC). Film credits include: Polite Society, And Mrs, The Lady In The Van, The History Boys and Mrs Henderson Presents.
Also making her RSC debut as Imogen Holst is Victoria Yeates. Victoria appears as Bunty in the Fantastic Beasts films, The Crimes of Grindelwald and its sequel, The Secrets of Dumbledore. She is well known for playing the role of Sister Winifred in Call The Midwife (BBC), with other television credits including A Discovery of Witches (Sky). Victoria’s theatre credits include: Jean Harlow in Michael McClure’s The Beard (Old Red Lion), Big Love (The Gate), Pains of Youth, Don Juan Comes Back From The War (Belgrade Theatre), Wuthering Heights (Birmingham Rep/tour), Rookery Nook (Menier Chocolate Factory), The League of Youth, Private Lives (Nottingham Playhouse), The Crucible (Queens Theatre Hornchurch/ATG tour), and The Dogwalker (Jermyn Street).
Joining Erica and Mark on the creative team are: Soutra Gilmour (Designer), Jackie Shemesh (Lighting), Conor Mitchell (Music), Carolyn Downing (Sound), Lucy Cullingford (Movement), Pippa Hill (Dramaturg), Liz Flint (Voice and Text) and Matthew Dewsbury CDG (Casting).
Listings and ticket information can be found here
