Orange Tree Theatre has announced the full cast and creative team for its major revival of Peter Shaffer’s Black Comedy, directed by Caroline Steinbeis.
The production opens on 27 May, with previews from 16 May, and will run until 11 July.
Joining the previously announced Javier Marzan as Georg Bamberger are Patricia Allison as Clea, Joe Bannister as Brindsley Miller, Jason Barnett as Colonel Melkett, Chris Chilton as Schuppanzigh, Leah Haile as Carol Melkett, Julia Hills as Miss Furnival and Simon Manyonda as Harold Gorringe.
The creative team is completed by John Nicholson as Physical Comedy Consultant, Simon Daw as Set and Costume Designer, Elliot Griggs as Lighting Designer, Simon Slater as Sound Designer and Helena Palmer CDG as Casting Director.
Caroline Steinbeis said today, “We have assembled a company that thrills me in every direction: an exhilarating blend of bold new voices, familiar Orange Tree favourites, and truly legendary comedy performers. Black Comedy is a dazzling farce, and I can’t wait to get started and shed light on these superb characters and uncover all their delicious contradictions. This cast brings precision, mischief, and heart in equal measure, and I know audiences are in for something truly special, surprising, and gloriously entertaining from start to finish.”
Tom Littler, Artistic Director of the Orange Tree Theatre, added, “Black Comedy is a peerless masterpiece of comic invention, and I’m delighted that Caroline Steinbeis has assembled such a superb company. It’s a particular pleasure to welcome Patricia Allison and Joe Bannister back to the OT after their recent triumphs in Twelfth Night and Hedda. For audiences looking for summer fun – look no further.”
Black Comedy follows young sculptor Brindsley Miller, who is desperate to impress an influential art collector. After a sudden power cut plunges the building into darkness, Brindsley sees a chance to hide the borrowed furniture filling his flat. Unfortunately for him, while the characters can no longer see, the audience can.
As unexpected visitors arrive, Brindsley’s increasingly frantic efforts to maintain his deception only make the chaos spiral further.
The production reunites Peepolykus collaborators Javier Marzan and John Nicholson for this playful comedy of light and shadows.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
