Lyric Ensemble Present A Newly Devised Play For Today's Young Londoners, ABANDON

The Lyric Ensemble, which was established in September 2017, premieres their newly devised play Abandon from 20 - 30 June at the Lyric Hammersmith.

Directed by Anne-Louise Sarks, the ensemble of performers is formed of a company of 15 aspiring young actors aged between 18-25 years old. Abandon is the culmination of a nine month pilot project, led by Anne-Louise Sarks and Laura Lomas, the group have worked weeknights, weekends and holidays to create the show.

Abandon is a series of intimate glimpses into the day-to-day lives of 15 Londoners, their hopes, dreams and disappointments. It examines how we see ourselves, how others see us and our place in the world. Abandon is a love letter to the theatre, a piece about the power of the imagination and the importance of coming together.

Anne-Louise Sarks, Artistic Director of the Lyric Ensemble said, "This has been an extraordinary creative partnership for all involved. With the energy and commitment of these talented young theatremakers, the generous spirit of the creative team and the warm embrace of the Lyric as our home, we have developed a language together and a story unique to this special company. This show is elegant and bold and very, very funny, I can't wait to share the results of our work."

The Lyric Ensemble was created to help the development of young aspiring actors from diverse backgrounds who do not have access to professional training. The company have received mentoring from Anne-Louis, Nicholai La Barrie (Director of Young People, Lyric Hammersmith), Sean Holmes (Artistic Director, Lyric Hammersmith) and the Lyric's Artistic Associates.

Abandon will mark the end of the companies training and mentoring at the Lyric.

The cast includes: Michael Adewale, Daniel Boulton, Jack Clearwater, Brandon Grace, Shakeel Haakim, Samarge Hamilton, James Monckton, Ruth Oyediran, Nkhanise Phiri, Zara Ramtohul-Akbar, Isabella Shaw, Katie Friedli Walton and Marie Williamson.

The cast are working alongside a professional creative team which includes international Director Anne-Louise Sarks (Seventeen at the Lyric Hammersmith) and Playwright Laura Lomas (Joanna as part of the RSC's Mischief Festival). The show is designed by former resident design assistant at The Donmar Warehouse, Rosie Elnile (Goats at the Royal Court, Unknown at Gate Theatre), composed by the Lyric's resident composer Kate Marlais and lighting design by Azusa Ono.

The Lyric Ensemble has been generously supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and the McGrath Charitable Trust.

For more information visit ww.lyric.co.uk

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