Guy Simon to Lead MTC's JASPER JONES

Following a national search, Melbourne Theatre Company is delighted to announce that Guy Simon has been cast in the title role of its much-anticipated stage adaptation of Jasper Jones.

Guy Simon will take on the role of Jasper Jones, the baddest kid in Corrigan, and Harry Tseng will play Jeffrey Lu, the unflappable cricket-loving best friend.

Both making their MTC mainstage debut, Guy recently starred in The Battle of Waterloo (STC), Black Diggers (QTC) and Redfern Now (ABC), and among Harry's recent acting credits are Winter (Channel Seven), Healing (Pinnacle Films) and he was part of MTC's 2015 Cybec Electric play reading series.

Jasper Jones Director Sam Strong said, 'After a nation-wide search I am thrilled to announce the first two actors to be cast in Jasper Jones, Guy Simon and Harry Tseng, who are among the finest young talents in the country. I'm delighted to be working with Guy and Harry and look forward to completing the ensemble for this landmark Australian story.'

MTC Artistic Director Brett Sheehy said, 'Jasper Jones is going to be an unmissable production put together by a host of incredibly talented actors and creatives. Whether you've read the book or not, Jasper Jones is a story for everyone and with Guy Simon and Harry Tseng amongst the cast, audiences are in for a treat.'

A heart-warming coming-of-age story wrapped in a mystery, Jasper Jones recalls a long, simmering summer in which friendships are tested and illusions are lost.

Directed by Sam Strong, Kate Mulvany's stage adaptation of Craig Silvey's award-winning novel opens at Melbourne Theatre Company on Friday 5 August with Set and Costume Design by Anna Cordingly and Lighting Design by Matt Scott.

Guy Simon and Harry Tseng join the long list of stellar actors in MTC's 2016 Season including Kat Stewart, Kate Atkinson Shaun Micallef, Bert LaBonté, Colin Friels, Sarah Peirse and Mark Leonard Winter.

Tickets for Jasper Jones can be bought as part of an MTC Subscription Package, available now for three or more plays.

Single tickets for Ladies in Black, Lungs and The Distance are currently on sale. Single tickets for Jasper Jones and all remaining productions go on sale on Tuesday 8 March.

For more information about MTC Season 2016 or to book tickets go to mtc.com.au/2016.