Papatango and Park Theatre have announced the full cast for the world première of The Meat Kings! (Inc.) of Brooklyn Heights, winner of the 2024 Papatango New Writing Prize.
Written by British-Irish playwright Hannah Doran, the production will be directed by Papatango’s Artistic Director George Turvey. The cast includes Jackie Clune as Paula, Marcello Cruz as JD, Ash Hunter as Billy, Mithra Malek as T, and Eugene McCoy as David.
Selected from a record-breaking 1,589 entries, Doran’s play is the latest recipient of the UK’s only annual playwriting award that guarantees a full production, publication, royalties, and a new commission.
The production opens in Park200 at Park Theatre on 4 November 2025, with previews from 30 October, and runs until 29 November.
T is the new summer hire at Cafarelli & Sons, an iconic New York butcher, but life in a messy cutting room isn’t glamorous. No-nonsense boss Paula tries to keep everyone in line, but the business is struggling: when the season ends, someone’s for the chop.
With the American Dream of a better life hanging in the balance, JD and Billy find themselves pitted against each other, each determined to secure a future. Around them, David and T are drawn into shifting alliances and fractured loyalties. But how far will they go to survive?
The Meat Kings! (Inc.) of Brooklyn Heights carves into the dark underbelly of America’s anti-immigration policies and the brutal sacrifices that drive the pursuit of prosperity.
Hannah Doran’s searing debut follows previous Papatango Prize winners whose work has gone on to win Olivier, Critics’ Circle and OffWestEnd awards, with remounts in 33 countries.
Jackie Clune’s extensive credits include Grenfell (National Theatre), Just For One Day (The Old Vic), and Mamma Mia! (international tour). She is also a stand-up comedian and author of four books.
Marcello Cruz has appeared in Rare Earth Metal (Royal Court Theatre), Sweat (Royal Exchange Theatre), and TV series Silo and Alex Rider.
Ash Hunter’s credits include Hamilton (Victoria Palace Theatre), Grenfell (National Theatre), and Bridgerton on Netflix.
Mithra Malek has performed in Romeo + Juliet (Circle in the Square Theatre, New York) and appeared in Anatomy of a Scandal on television.
Eugene McCoy’s credits include Girl From the North Country (The Old Vic), Groundhog Day, and films such as Wonka and Paddington 2.
George Turvey’s directing credits include Shook (Southwark Playhouse/UK tour), Some Demon (Arcola Theatre), and The Silence and the Noise (UK tour). He is also co-author of Being A Playwright: A Career Guide for Writers.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
