Bernardine Evaristo’s novel Mr Loverman to be adapted for the stage – with cast confirmed

Natasha Gordon will adapt Bernardine Evaristo’s novel Mr Loverman for the stage at the Lyttelton Theatre.

The production will run from 25 February to 17 April 2027. Paulette Randall will direct the staging, which spans six decades from Antigua to modern-day London.

The story follows Barrington Walker, a dapper man of standing in his Hackney community who is a husband, father and grandfather.

Barrington conceals a secret from those around him, having maintained a 60-year romantic relationship with his best friend Morris.

Danny Sapani will star as Barry, with Gary Beadle as Morris and Jo Martin as Carmel.

The initial cast also includes Gabrielle Brooks as Maxine and Young Merty, Llewella Gideon as Merty and Augustina, Terique Jarrett as Daniel and Young Barry, Jenny Jules as Candaisy and Odette, and Suzette Llewellyn as Asseleitha and Cynthia.

Joining Randall on the creative team are set and costume designer Tim Hatley, lighting designer Tim Lutkin, movement director Shelley Maxwell, composer and music director Joseph Roberts, and sound designer Carolyn Downing.

Wigs, hair and make-up design will be by Cynthia De La Rosa, with casting by Naomi Downham, dialect coaching by Hazel Holder, and voice coaching by Cathleen McCarron.

The offstage team is completed by associate set designer Ross Edwards and staff director Nathanael Campbell.

Tickets for the production will go on sale from midday on 24 September 2027.