Orange Tree Theatre (OT) has announced the full casting for Terence Rattigan’s In Praise of Love. Directed by Amelia Sears, the production features Daniel Abelson (Mark Walters), Joe Edgar (Joey Cruttwell), Claire Price (Lydia Cruttwell), and Dominic Rowan (Sebastian Cruttwell). The play opens on 3 June, with previews starting from 24 May, and runs until 5 July.
Set in England in 1973, In Praise of Love tells the story of Estonian refugee Lydia and her Marxist literary critic husband Sebastian, both of whom worked in wartime intelligence. Their world begins to crumble with the arrival of Lydia’s admirer, a best-selling American author, leading to an explosion of family truths. The drama, loosely based on the relationship between actor Rex Harrison and his wife Kay Kendall, is a perceptive and deeply moving exploration of love and deception.
The creative team includes Designer Peter Butler, Lighting Designer Bethany Gupwell, Sound Designer and Composer Elizabeth Purnell, Casting Director Helena Palmer CDG, and Production Manager Pam Nichol.
Daniel Abelson returns to the Orange Tree to play Mark Walters, having previously appeared in Amsterdam. His extensive theatre credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Machinal, Circa, and The Rivals. Abelson’s television credits include Humans and Robin Hood, and he has appeared in films such as The Rack Pack.
Joe Edgar, playing Joey Cruttwell, has theatre credits including The Cabinet Minister and Just For One Day. His television work includes The Crown.
Claire Price returns to the Orange Tree to play Lydia Cruttwell, having previously appeared in Poison. Her theatre credits include Something in the Air, Raya, and numerous productions with the RSC. Price’s television credits include The Capture and Call the Midwife, and she has appeared in films such as The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Dominic Rowan, playing Sebastian Cruttwell, has a distinguished career in theatre, television, and film. His theatre credits include The Winter’s Tale and The Tempest, while his television work includes The Crown and Doctor Who.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
