New Cast Premieres McGuinness' Kitchen
Date: 2 May 2000
Frank McGuinness' new play, Dolly West's Kitchen receives its British premiere this month with an all-new cast. The Abbey Theatre, Dublin production begins previews next week, 9 May, and opens on 12 May 2000 for a limited 12-week season at the Old Vic.
As World War II rages on in Europe, in Donegal there's another war closer to home. In Dolly West's kitchen, her family has its own conflicts to face as their lives are transformed by the arrival of Allied troops across the border in Derry. War changes everything - its tragedies, its survivals and the history of the West family will be changed forever.
The cast is headed by Donna Dent (seen recently in Brian Friel's new version of Uncle Vanya) in the title role. She is joined by Pauline Flanagan (who starred opposite John Hurt and Brenda Blethyn in the film Night Train), Catherine Byrne (Dancing at Lughnasa, London and Broadway), Simon O'Gorman (St Joan and Kevin's Bed at the Abbey), Michael Colgan (How I Learned to Drive at the Donmar), Harry Carnahan (An Inspector Calls on US tour), Perry Laylon Ojeda (On the Town, Blood Brothers and Babes in Arms on Broadway) and newcomer Lucianne McEvoy.
Dolly West's Kitchen is directed by Patrick Mason in his farewell production as the Abbey's artistic director. He received a Tony Award for Best Director in 1992 for his production of Brian Friel's Dancing at Lughnasa at the Abbey, which went on to tour internationally. He has also directed McGuinness' Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme and, later this year, will direct McGuinness' version of Peer Gynt which opens at the National in October.
McGuinness' other stage work includes Someone Who'll Watch Over Me and Mutabilitie. His new version of Strindberg's Miss Julie is currently playing at the Haymarket, starring Christopher Eccleston.
Dolly West's Kitchen is designed by Joe Vanek with lighting by Nick Chelton.
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