Cast for Lanny stage adaptation announced

Exclusive: Casting has been announced for Lanny, the world premiere stage adaptation of Max Porter’s novel.

Adapted by Bea Roberts and directed by Bristol Old Vic artistic director Nancy Medina, the production is being presented in association with English Touring Theatre as part of Bristol Old Vic’s 260th anniversary year. A press night is scheduled for 22 October.

Hanora Kamen will play Jolie, with Raj Bajaj as Robert and Richard Cant as Pete. Rupert Holliday Evans will play The Lecturer and other roles, while Amanda Lawrence will play Peggy and other roles. Liam Bergin and Rose Wardlaw will also appear in multiple roles.

The title role of Lanny will be shared by Atlas Johnson-Dutfield and Lucian Thomas, both making their professional stage debuts.

Set in a village near Bristol, Lanny follows a family who have recently moved from the city and whose young son attracts the attention of Dead Papa Toothwort, a mythic figure who listens from the woods.

Porter’s novel was first published in 2019 and was longlisted for the Booker Prize.

Lanny has set and costume design by Rebecca Jane Wood, composition and musical direction by Dom Coyote, movement direction by Dan Canham, lighting design by Zeynep Kepekli, and sound design by Elena Peña and Dave Price.

The creative team is completed by assistant director Maddie Wakeling, assistant movement director Divija Mellaly, costume supervisor Bristol Costume Services, casting director Arthur Carrington, child casting director Ruby Gilmour, dramatherapist Alice Nicholas and head chaperone Julian Arney.

It will run at Bristol Old Vic from 16 October to 7 November 2026.