Natalie Dew, Samuel James and More Star in FAULT LINES at Hampstead Downstairs, Now thru Jan 4

Hampstead Downstairs/The Peter Wolff Trust Present FAULT LINES by Ali Taylor. Directed by Lisa Spirling and designed by Polly Sullivan, the production is set to run today, 5 December 2013 - 4 January 2014. Natalie Dew, Samuel James, Alex Lawther and Nichola McAuliffe play the staff of a small relief charity in Taylor's sharp new comedy, which gives the expression 'having a disastrous Christmas' a whole new meaning.

It's 7.32am on Christmas Eve. Disasters Relief's staff parties are legendary - but their aftermath cataclysmic. Nick and Abi wake amidst the carnage to breaking news: a massive earthquake has struck Pakistan.

Gathering their clothes - and dignity - the race with rivals Oxfam begins. Who can be the first to dispatch branded aid in full view of the world media? How far are they willing to go to be first? With the appalling spectre of last night's antics hanging over everything, the day quickly escalates into a dizzying web of secrets and lies.

Ali Taylor's play uncovers the reality of working in a modern charity and asks whether doing good is the same as being good. He makes his Hampstead debut after winning the Meyer Whitworth Award in 2008 for his first play Cotton Wool (Theatre503). Previous credits include Overspill (Soho Theatre) and Sticks and Stones (Polka Theatre).

Lisa Spirling returns to Hampstead Downstairs following I Know How I Feel About Eve in 2012. She directed Ali Taylor's award winning Cotton Wool, and previous credits include Michael Frayn's Here (Rose Theatre, Kingston) and Hundreds & Thousands (Soho Theatre).

Lighting design is by Tim Mascall and sound is by Richard Hammarton.

CAST:

Natalie Dew's previous theatre appearances include Romeo and Juliet (National Theatre) Rough Cuts (Royal Court) and Arabian Nights (RSC). TV includes Lewis and Gavin and Stacey.

Samuel James' stage roles include Abigail's Party (UK tour), Decade (Headlong/ National Theatre), Twelfth Night and Women Beware Women (National Theatre). TV includes Company Pictures, EastEnders, Nazi Gospels and The Shadow Line. Film includes The Man On Her Mind and Running Late.

Alex Lawther left drama school in 2011. He has since appeared on stage in South Downs (Chichester Festival Theatre/Harold Pinter Theatre), in film in Departure, The Imitation Game and X Plus Y, and played the lead in the documentary Benjamin Britten: Peace And Conflict.

Nichola McAuliffe's many stage appearances include Maurice's Jubilee, which she also wrote, and for which she won The Stage Best Actress Award (Edinburgh and UK Tour), A British Subject (Arts Theatre), The Lady in the Van (Hull Truck Theatre & UK Tour) and Hayfever (Rose Theatre). She won the Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress for Kiss Me, Kate (RSC). TV includes Doctors, Doctor Who, My Family, Coronation Street and Surgical Spirit (7 Series). Film includes Cheri, Die Another Day, Plunkett & Maclean and Tomorrow Never Dies. She has written two novels for adults and one for children.

Dates: 5 December 2013 - 4 January 2014
Times: Eves at 7.45pm. Sat Mats from 14 December at 3.15pm
Prices: £12. Concessions available at £10. First 5 performances all seats £5 Booking: Online: www.hampsteadtheatre.com
Tel: 020 7722 9301
In person: Hampstead Theatre, Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, London NW3 3EU
Age guideline: 12+ t: @Hamps_Theatre

Pictured: Natalie Dew