Bristol Old Vic and English Touring Theatre (ETT) have released rehearsal images for the upcoming world premiere of Lanny, the flagship production marking Bristol Old Vic’s 260th year.
Based on Max Porter’s acclaimed 2019 novel, Lanny has been adapted for the stage by Bea Roberts and is directed by Bristol Old Vic Artistic Director Nancy Medina. The production runs from 16 October to 7 November, with press night scheduled for 22 October.
Set in a village near Bristol, Lanny follows a family who have recently moved from the city. Their young son captures the attention of Dead Papa Toothwort, a mythical presence listening from the woods, as reality and imagination intertwine in a story of folklore, community and belonging.
Porter’s novel was nominated for the Man Booker Prize and received widespread critical acclaim upon publication. After five years in development, the imaginative and atmospheric work now makes its stage debut.
The cast includes Hanora Kamen, Raj Bajaj, Richard Cant, Rupert Holliday Evans, Amanda Lawrence, Liam Bergin and Rose Wardlaw. The title role of Lanny will be shared by Atlas Johnson-Dutfield and Lucian Thomas, both making their professional stage debuts.
With much of the cast and creative team drawn from Bristol and the South West, the production places regional talent at the centre of this major new premiere.
Alongside Roberts and Medina, the creative team 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.
Additional creatives include puppetry consultant Izzy Bristow, video designer Christopher Harrisson, dramaturg Ben Atterbury, assistant director Maddie Wakeling, assistant movement director Divija Melally, casting director Arthur Carrington CDG and child casting director Ruby Gilmour.
The newly released rehearsal photography provides audiences with an early look at the production ahead of its opening next month at Bristol Old Vic.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
