The Rose Theatre Kingston Announces Cast for THE VORTEX

The Rose Theatre Kingston has announced complete casting for Noël Coward's The Vortex, 7 February - 2 March.

The Vortex was a huge success when first seen in 1924. The relationship between the decadent, drug-addicted Nicky Lancaster and his flamboyant mother, Florence, still packs an extraordinary punch.

Florence Lancaster is played by Kerry Fox, whose film credits include 'An Angel at My Table', 'Shallow Grave', 'Bright Star and 'Intimacy'. Most recently she has appeared in Jonathan Teplitzky's 'Burning Man', Iain Softley's 'Trap for Cinderella', PJ Hogan's 'Mental' and Andrew Adamson's 'Mister Pip' in which she plays Hugh Laurie's wife. She was last on the London stage in Toby Frow's production of Speaking in Tongues.

Earlier this year she appeared in the Sydney Theatre Company production of Face to Face, an adaptation of Ingmar Bergman's film of the same name.

David Dawson plays Nicky Lancaster. David was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Olivier Awards 2008 for his performance of Smike in The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, and for Best Supporting Actor at the 2010 Whatsonstage Theatregoers Choice Awards for his performance as Gethin Price in Comedians at the Lyric Hammersmith. Currently filming 'Peaky Blinders' for Tiger Aspect, his recent television appearances includes 'Henry IV parts 1 and 2', 'Dancing on The Edge' 'Parade's End', 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood and 'Luther'.

James Dreyfus plays Pauncefort Quentin. James's London recent theatre credits include Breakfast at Tiffany's, Amongst Friends, The Common Pursuit at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Michael Frayn's Donkey's Years and the Emcee in Cabaret. He was first known for his roles in the BBC TV comedy series' 'Gimme Gimme Gimme' and 'The Thin Blue Line'. Recent TV includes 'Mount Pleasant', 'Shameless', 'Midsomer Murders', 'Whitechapel', 'Double Time' (in which he played both leading roles) and 'He Kills Coppers'.

Sophie Rundle plays Bunty. Graduating from RADA in 2011 she has since starred as Lucy in ITV's 'The Bletchley Circle', as well as Matt Le Blanc's stalker, Labia, in 'Episodes' plus guest lead appearances in the television series' 'Titanic', 'Merlin' and 'Garrow's Law'. She can currently be seen in Mike Newell's 'Great Expectations' with Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham-Carter and has recently been filming 'Peaky Blinders' for the BBC. The Vortex will be her professional stage debut.

Clara is played by Helen Atkinson Wood. Helen will be known to many as Mrs Miggins in 'Blackadder the Third' and has been a presenter on many comedy programmes including 'O.T.T.', 'Radioactive' and 'KYTV'. She is regularly to be heard on Radio 4, or as a guest panellist on 'QI' and 'Have I Got News for You'.

The rest of the cast includes William Chubb (David Lancaster), Rebecca Johnson (Helen Saville), Jack Hawkins (Tom Veryan), John Cummins (Bruce Fairlight) and Helen Fletcher (Preston).

Lighting design by John Bishop, sound design by Adrienne Quartly, and music by Olly Fox.

In association with Kingston University.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Dates: Thursday 7 February - Saturday 2 March
Times: Monday - Saturday, 7.30pm
Thursday & Saturday matinees, 2.30pm (excl. 7 February)
Press Night: Wednesday 13 February, 7pm
Tickets: £12 - £40; pit cushions £8
Box Office: 08444 821 556/ www.rosetheatrekingston.org (bkg fee)