Headlong has announced the principal cast for its new production of Fences, which will tour the UK this autumn in a co-production with Leeds Playhouse, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and HOME Manchester.
This fresh revival of August Wilson’s acclaimed play marks the first major UK staging in over ten years, with performances beginning at Leeds Playhouse from 11 September before touring to Oxford, London, Manchester and Nottingham.
The cast is led by Ray Fearon as Troy, alongside Madeline Appiah as Rose, Michael Ahomka-Lindsay as Lyons and Josh Tedeku as Cory.
Directed by Daniel Bailey, the production brings together a celebrated creative team including designer Lily Arnold, composer and sound designer Khalil Madovi, lighting designer Jai Morjaria and movement director Shelley Maxwell.
Set in Pittsburgh, Fences explores themes of ambition, family and generational change, following Troy Maxson as he grapples with his past and the pressures facing his family.
Ray Fearon said: “I’m so excited to be part of Fences. August Wilson is one of the greatest playwrights of the 20th century, I’ve always been drawn to his writing. Troy is such a rich, complex character, and it’s a real joy to get the chance to play him. Fences is one of those plays which stays with you, it captures a powerful honesty about pride, dreams and missed opportunities which resonates deeply. I’m really looking forward to getting into the room with Daniel Bailey and this company and sharing it with audiences across the UK, especially alongside the brilliant Madeline Appiah.”
Madeline Appiah added: “Anyone who knows me will know what this moment means to me. I first discovered Fences in drama school and fell in love with it and with the role of Rose. The chance to now play her is truly a dream. I’m so excited to get working on Daniel Bailey’s exciting vision for this powerful piece. Daniel is one of the most important directors of our time and I am thrilled to be working with him. I can’t wait to get into rehearsals with this incredible company and unlock and explore the many themes and layers of this play.”
Director Daniel Bailey said: “It’s a proper privilege to welcome Ray, Madeline, Michael and Josh to the Fences Family. I can’t wait to realise this shows hidden gems with artists right at the top of their game. I’ve watched them enchant audiences and now we have the opportunity to do that together.”
The production continues Headlong’s collaboration with Leeds Playhouse, following a series of acclaimed productions, and reunites the company with partners including Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and HOME Manchester.
Lisa Maguire of Headlong said: “It means so much to be putting August Wilson’s work front and centre for audiences across the country. This extraordinary play encompasses so much of what drives us at Headlong – breathing new life into work that deserves its place in the canon, whilst asking our audiences to think and feel deeply about the world we share.
Despite being written over 40 years ago, the central themes are still all too resonant today. From the streets of Pittsburgh to our own backyard here in the UK – how much can we say has really changed? We’re thrilled to be working with Daniel on his take on this classic.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
