Charlie Hardwick cast in Hyem at Theatre503

Charlie Hardwick (Emmerdale and Cabaret, Live Theatre, Newcastle) will lead the cast in the premiere of Hyem at Theatre503 from 30 August to 23 September.

Hyem is the debut play from Philip Correia, best known for his work as an actor with the National Theatre in The History Boys.

She will be joined by Patrick Driver (A Tale of Two Cities, Regent’s Park Theatre), Aimee Kelly (Wolfblood, BBC), Joe Blakemore (Vera, ITV), Ryan Nolan (Neil, Alphabetti Theatre) and Sarah Balfour (Valhalla, Theatre503).

The play premieres at Theatre503 before transferring to Northern Stage in Newcastle upon Tyne on 20 and 21 October.

Hyem is about two pensioners who don’t act their age. They introduce young Dunney to a side of life he’s never seen before.

Playwright Philip Correia said: "This play is about community. It's about inclusion and laughter and people. Arts participation in the North East is around 31 per cent. This is a play to change that."

Hyem was a runner up in the 2015 Papatango Prize and has since been performed as a rehearsed reading at the NT Studio and at the Live Theatre! Newcastle upon Tyne.

Hyem runs at Theatre503 from 30 August to 23 September.