First look production images have been released for the world premiere of Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky, Simon Reade’s new stage adaptation of Patrick Hamilton’s celebrated novel trilogy, which is currently in previews at Southwark Playhouse Borough.
Directed by Off West End Award winner Matthew Iliffe, the production opened previews on 10 September ahead of its official opening night on 16 September, and runs until 17 October 2026.
The newly released images showcase the ensemble cast bringing Hamilton’s late 1920s London to life in a stylish period production from Troupe, the company behind the acclaimed stage adaptation of The Forsyte Saga.
Based on Hamilton’s classic novel, Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky follows three lonely Londoners whose lives become intertwined through longing, obsession and unfulfilled dreams.
Set around the seedy Midnight Bell pub in 1929, the story centres on barman Bob, who dreams of becoming a writer, barmaid Ella, who dreams of being with Bob, and the enigmatic prostitute Jenny Maple, who becomes the object of Bob’s obsession.
The cast includes Yanexi Enriquez as Jenny Maple, Rosalind Lailey as Ella Dawson and Jordan Scowen as Bob, alongside Alex Bhat as George Perry, Lucy Gray as Prunella/Landlady/Waitress and Michael Maloney as Ernest Eccles.
Adapted from the work of the author behind Gaslight, Rope and Hangover Square, the play combines dark humour and heartbreak in a portrait of life on the margins of Jazz Age London.
Ashley Cook of Troupe said: “I’m delighted to bring these actors together to explore the dynamics between these classic characters from Patrick Hamilton’s great London trilogy; and I look forward to audiences seeing how Matthew Iliffe translates this to the stage at Southwark Playhouse Borough.”
The creative team includes director Matthew Iliffe, set and costume designer Ellie Wintour, lighting designer Alex Musgrave, sound designer and composer Elizabeth Purnell, movement director Sam Spencer-Lane and intimacy director Jess Tucker Boyd.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
