SHERLOCK's Mark Gatiss to Appear in Prime Theatre's 2046

Sherlock creator and actor Mark Gatiss is to appear in Prime Theatre's latest production to start a year of celebration for the company's 30th birthday. The brand new play, 2046, will take place in a transformed Swindon Borough Council Chamber and is set 30 years in the future when London is flooded and parliament is forced to move to Swindon.

Prime Youth Theatre members play a group of young freedom fighters who want to claim their country back from the adults who have ruined it. Mark Gatiss appears as the Prime Minister of New Britain and his segments have been specially filmed so that Mark can also feature in a play in London at the same time.

An award-winning actor and writer, Mark made his name as one of The League of Gentlemen, before going to write and appear in shows such as Dr. Who, SHERLOCK and Game of Thrones. Earlier this year Mark won an Olivier award for his acting work at the National Theatre.

Mark said, "I'm thrilled to be able to take part in 2046. Giving young people a creative voice is more vital than ever in our chaotic world and Prime Theatre has been doing this for decades. This production will be extra special, being performed in the very council chamber where important decisions are made every day. I am, of course, excited to be Prime Minister too...even if it is just for a short time!"

2046 is directed by Prime Theatre's Young Artist, Carli Green, 19. Carli said, "This is my first time directing and it's been great having a script written specially for the company and the space. I wanted a famous adult actor to play the Prime Minister, someone everybody knows, but still has a real edge. I was over the moon when Mark Gatiss agreed to do it. Meeting him was something I'll never forget."

Cllr Garry Perkins, Swindon Borough Council Cabinet member for the Economy, Regeneration and Skills, said, "I maybe shouldn't say this, but I have no doubt that this production will see the Council Chamber used for something much more entertaining than some of the debates it has seen. We have a really strong and vibrant arts scene in Swindon and this starts with young people, so I'm only too pleased to let Prime Theatre use the Civic Offices as the location for their play."

Prime Theatre began as Sixth Sense Theatre in 1986 and adult actors who were members of The Youth Theatre in their early lives also appear in the production. In the spirit of celebration, Carli is being mentored by Julia Dickenson, one of the theatre company's original founders. Julia commented, "I've watched with interest as Sixth Sense has grown to become Prime Theatre. Being asked to return to work with the current youth theatre alongside some adults I taught as children has been a real joy."

2046 performances take place between 27 - 29 October in the Swindon Borough Council Chamber part of the Civic Offices in Euclid Street. To book your tickets, visit www.wegottickets.com/PrimeTheatreUK or from 01793 614864.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Featured Performer in a Musical - Top 3

1. Ali Louis Bourzgui - The Lost Boys, A New Musical

26.6% of votes

2. Ben Levi Ross - Ragtime

6.5% of votes

3. Shoshana Bean - The Lost Boys, A New Musical

5.7% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats