Andrew Scott and Alys, Always adaptation to feature in new Bridge Theatre line-up

Andrew Scott, Nikki Amuka-Bird and Simon Russell Beale will take part in a celebration of Shostakovich next month at the Bridge Theatre.

Overseen by Russell Beale, the event on 5 March will be inspired by the chamber music created by Shostakovich, especially his String Quartet No 8 and the composer’s fraught relationship with Stalin and the Soviet Union.

Amuka-Bird and Scott will present dramatic readings and poems to accompany a performance by the Carducci Quartet, with the content based on Shostakovich's conflicted decision to join the Communist party.

Also announced is the world premiere of Lucina Coxon's Alys, Always, based on the novel by Harriet Lane. The novel, written in 2012, is a gripping psychological thriller about the nature of entitlement. It follows Alys and Frances, who are thrown together after a car collision. Casting for the production, which will be directed by Nicholas Hytner is to be announced at a later date.

Coxon's previous credits include Herding Cats and Happy Now, and she provided the screenplay for the award-winning play The Danish Girl.

The news comes alongside the announcement that Alan Bennett will debut his new play at the venue in July.

Absolute Music: Shostakovich runs on 5 March. Alys, Always will run from 30 January 2019 to 30 March 2019, with previews from 23 January 2019.