The time has come to announce the line-up for our revival of Titus Andronicus at Greenwich Theatre in April!
We had almost 1,500 applications by the end. We auditioned 50 extraordinary actors and somehow managed to whittle it down to the lovely ladies you see above and below. It’s been a humbling experience casting this (and we’re going to write a blog post about that soon, with some useful insights for the actors among you).
But now, it’s time for you to get as excited as we are, about the mind-blowing company we’ve put together for you…
Fresh from playing Lady Macbeth in RIFT‘s lauded overnight tower-block Macbeth, ELLY CONDRON joins our cast as LAVINIA:
“I am so excited to be a part of such an inspiring company. It’s high time we show the world that women can take on meaty roles and do them more than justice! The energy of Smooth Faced Gents is welcome, open and disciplined, so the rehearsals are productive and supportive. This should ensure a bloody good play!”
As SATURNINUS, we are pleased to welcome a regular with our close friends The Merely Players: LIA BURGE. Lia also stunned audiences last year with her role in Freak (Edinburgh Fringe / Theatre 503):
“It was great to go straight into the physicality of violence and our characters. The work feels like an exploration, everyone is curious and excited to see it evolve through rehearsals”
OLIVIA BROMLEY is joining the team as TAMORA. Olivia recently played Mina Murray in the incredible Dracula with another much-loved Shakespeare company: the inimitable Action To The Word:
“I’m thrilled to call myself a Smooth Faced Gent and to be working with such a cracking cast and team – it’s a daunting play, but after this weekend I’m really excited by the direction we’re taking things and I can’t wait to hit the ground running after Easter”
Trained at Rose Bruford, with a love of “fight, Shakespeare, and powerhouse women”, ARIANE BARNES will take the eponymous role of TITUS.
“All the balls in the air at once, that’s how the gentlemen roll. A fight; that’s what it felt like. The whole play. One huge fight with many colours. Regrouping, deciding, attacking, retreating, killing… till no is left standing…”
LAMDA graduate HELEN COLES joins the cast playing the heroic LUCIUS and the villainous CHIRON:
“This past weekend rehearsing has been a joy – to work in a room with so much female talent and playing with Shakespeare’s most gruesome play is a great way to have spent my Saturday and Sunday. I cannot wait to delve into the character and scene work the next few weeks promises us. The team I am working with have proved so stimulating as we started to question and unravel ‘Titus’. Bring it on!!”
The part of AARON the moor, will be played by ANITA-JOY UWAJEH. Anita trained at Drama Centre. You’ll also spot her on the publicity photos for our yet-to-be-announced Summer show…
“I am delighted, I can’t wait!”
A lady of few words.
EMMA NIXON is back as BASSIANUS. Since last time she did this show, we’ve had her play Juliet’s Nurse, Tamora’s Nurse, Don Pedro, and Henry V:
Trivia: she also recently appeared in Shakespeare For Breakfast, written by our dramaturg Tom, with dramaturgy by our actor/Artistic Director Ashlea, and co-starring our director/producer Yaz. Confused?
“It’s so great to be back and working with SFG again, and I’m really thrilled to be surrounded by new gents – I can’t wait to see what new & exciting things can be brought to this revival.”
Last but by no means least, artistic director ASHLEA KAYE is back as MARCUS and DEMETRIUS, the roles that won her a best actor nomination in 2013.
“I’m delighted to get back in the rehearsal room with Titus and to be joined by such a wonderful bunch of talented, intelligent and committed ladies. I sense some socks shall be blown off!”
A wonderful group of actors, I’m sure you’ll agree! Make sure you grab your tickets to the show, and you can see for yourself!
If that’s not tempting enough, as a special bonus, here’s our wonderful trailer for the show:
We’ll be announcing our creative team soon, watch this space…
