Lenny Henry Returns To The Stage In August Wilson's KING HEDLEY II At Theatre Royal Stratford East

Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Stratford East, Nadia Fall, today announces Lenny Henry to take on the role of Elmore in August Wilson's King Hedley II as part of her inaugural season. This marks the first time Wilson's work will be staged at Theatre Royal Stratford East.

In April, Theatre Royal Stratford East presents a Derby Theatre and Pilot Theatre co-production of Malorie Blackman's novel Noughts and Crosses. Adapted by Sabrina Mahfouz and directed by Esther Richardson, the production opens at Stratford East on 24 April and running until 5 May.

The season concludes with a Theatre Royal Stratford East and ENO co-production of Benjamin Britten's masterpiece Noye's Fludde. Lyndsey Turner directs a new production which combines the talents of professional singers, actors and musicians with those of school children and the local community. The production opens on 3 July, with previews from 1 July and runs until 13 July.

Also going on sale today is the already announced co-production with English Touring Theatre of Peter Shaffer's classic play Equus. Directed by Ned Bennett, the play opens on 21 February.

In addition, at every performance of every show over half of the tickets are priced under £25, with £10 tickets available for those aged under 26.

Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Stratford East, Nadia Fall, said today, "There's just so much to get excited about as our 2019 shows go on sale today. I'm thrilled that Lenny Henry will be appearing at Theatre Royal Stratford East in August Wilson's ferocious and timely play King Hedley II. Taking on the role of Elmore, this will be the first time that Lenny Henry has appeared on our stage and also the first time that the great August Wilson's work has been performed here. Our co-production with English Touring Theatre of Peter Shaffer's Equus also goes on sale today, re-imagined by the theatre maverick Ned Bennett, it's sure to be the play as you've never seen it before. Young people have always been at the heart of Theatre Royal Stratford East and we hope that they and their families will enjoy Pilot Theatre's production of Noughts and Crosses, from the celebrated novel by Malorie Blackman in a new adaptation by Sabrina Mahfouz. Our co-production with English National Opera of Benjamin Britten's Noye's Fludde, will see the brilliant Lyndsey Turner direct this joyous production, which combines the talents of professional artists alongside an army of local school children and community groups. It's a brilliantly busy year ahead, designed to offer something for everyone."

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