Theatre News

Double transfer from Hampstead Downstairs to Trafalgar Studios

”Four Minutes Twelve Seconds” and ”The Wasp” will run back-to-back from November

Jonathan McGuinness will star in Four Minutes Twelve Seconds
Jonathan McGuinness will star in Four Minutes Twelve Seconds
© Dan Wooller

A West End transfer has been announced for The Wasp and Four Minutes Twelve Seconds, the two most successful productions from Hampstead Downstairs in the past year.

The productions will transfer to the Trafalgar Studios for a back-to-back run from November.

Following on from its Olivier Award nomination in April, James Fritz's debut play Four Minutes Twelve Seconds will open the season. Directed by Anna Ledwich, the play throws light on the insidious consequences of new technology.

The original cast will reprise their roles with Kate Maravan as Di, Jonathan McGuinness as David and Ria Zmitrowicz as Cara.

Commenting on the transfer, Fritz said: "I can't wait to see Four Minutes Twelve Seconds up on its feet again. The production at Hampstead was such a thrill for me — to work with such an incredible team on my professional debut was more than I could have hoped."

The Wasp by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm follows in December. Directed by Tom Attenborough, The Wasp asks how far beyond the playground we carry our childhood experiences and to what lengths some people are willing to go to in order to come to terms with them.

The production will be Morgan Lloyd Malcolm's second new play to transfer from Hampstead Downstairs to Trafalgar Studios following the critically acclaimed Belongings in 2011.

Edward Hall, artistic director of Hampstead Theatre, said: "I'm absolutely delighted that two sold-out Hampstead Downstairs shows will be transferring to Trafalgar Studios 2 this autumn, allowing those who missed out on tickets before the chance to see them.

"Discovering, supporting and presenting original work has always been a major part of what Hampstead Theatre has stood for and it is incredibly exciting that these plays will have a further life in the West End."