Theatre News

Isla Blair and Nicholas Day complete casting for The Lyons at Menier

Isla Blair and Nicholas Day complete the cast for the European premiere of Nicky Silver’s comedy The Lyons, which runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory from 26 September to 16 November 2013 (previews from 19 September).

Isla Blair
Isla Blair
© Dan Wooller

They join the previously announced Tom Ellis, Katy Secombe, Charlotte Randle and Ben Aldridge.

Isla Blair is well known for her extensive stage work, which includes the recent UK tour of Steel Magnolias, Collaborators (Duchess), The History Boys (Wyndham’s), Breath of Life (Sheffield Lyceum) and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (both the original West End production and the National Theatre revival).

Nicholas Day’s stage credits include Cardenio and The City Madam for the RSC, The Iceman Cometh at the Almeida and Old Vic and Dealer’s Choice and the David Hare Trilogy at the National. His numerous TV credits include Rosemary and Thyme, Doc Martin, New Tricks and Minder.

The play centres on the Lyons family, who have gathered around the hospital bed of their dying father Ben. But surface compassion soon gives way to bickering, sniping and betraying each other’s secrets.

Billed as “savagely funny and heart-breaking”, it will be directed at the Menier by Mark Brokaw, who directed the original New York production. Design is by Jonathan Fensom, with lighting design by Jason Taylor and sound design by Gregory Clarke.

The Lyons first ran off-Broadway in 2011 and then transferred to Broadway in 2012.

Currently at the Chocolate Factory, The Color Purple continues until 14 September.