Theatre News

Cast confirmed for miners' strike play Wonderland at Hampstead

Beth Steel’s plays take s ‘360 degree’ look at the landmark struggle

Casting has been announced for Wonderland, a new play by Beth Steel marking the 30th anniversary of the 1984 miners' strike which premieres at Hampstead Theatre next month.

Michael Cochrane plays Ian MacGregor, Chairman of the Coal Board, with Paul Cawley as Transport Secretary Nicholas Ridley and Andrew Havill as Secretary of State for Energy Peter Walker.

Dugald Bruce-Lockhart plays eccentric libertarian David Hart and Andrew Readman plays US Economic Milton Friedman.

The miners are played by Nigel Betts, Paul Brennen, Gunnar Cauthery, Ben-Ryan Davies, David Moorst, Paul Rattray and Simon Slater.

presents the full sweep of the turbulent events that transformed the country – from the corridors of Westminster, to pitched battles with the police, to the coal faces of Nottinghamshire."

Directed by Edward Hall, artistic director of Hampstead, and designed by Ashley Martin David, Wonderland takes a "360 degree look at the clash between completely opposing ideologies during the miner's strike".

It runs from 26 June to 26 July 2014 (previews from 20 June), with lighting is by Peter Munford and sound by Matt McKenzie.

Currently at Hampstead, Ray Davies musical Sunny Afternoon runs to 24 May.