Olivier winner Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient, The Seagull) and Lily James (All About Eve, Pam & Tommy), who co-starred in the Oscar-nominated film Darkest Hour, reunite for the world premiere of Penelope Skinner's Lyonesse, which officially opens in London October 25.
Directed by Ian Rickson (Jerusalem, Uncle Vanya), the
production is set to play the Harold Pinter Theatre through December 23. Previews began October 17.
Thomas and James are joined by James Corrigan, Doon Mackichan, and Sara Powell.
Lyonesse follows Elaine (Thomas), a reclusive actor who disappears in mysterious circumstances; 30 years later, she feels ready to tell her story—summoning Kate, a young film executive (James), to her remote Cornish home to assist with her comeback.
Playwright Skinner, winner of the George Devine Award for Most Promising Playwright for The Village Bike, is also the author of Angry Alan, Meek, Linda, The Ruins of Civilisation, Fred’s Diner, Eigengrau, and F*cked.
Skinner said in an earlier statement, "I was inspired to write Lyonesse after
wondering what would happen if the dramatic action of a traditional
revenge tragedy was flipped, so that the story instead became about the
person upon whom revenge had been sworn. Themes of creativity, purpose,
isolation, violence, magic, and mothers rushed to join in with this
central provocation, and the characters of the story came into being."
Lyonesse is designed by Georgia Lowe, with lighting by
Jessica Hung Han Yun, music by Stephen Warbeck, sound by Tingying Dong,
and casting by Amy Ball.
Sonia Friedman Productions produces.
Visit LyonesseOnStage.com.
