James Corden and Anna Maxwell Martin to star in The Constituent world premiere at the Old Vic

Warchus said today: “In a theatre once mainly renowned for classic revivals, I’m excited to present The Old Vic’s 25th world premiere since my tenure began in 2015 – this urgently topical new play from Joe Penhall set in a local MP’s constituency office. In a landscape of increasing threat, what place is there for empathy? Is an open door policy now dependent on stab vests?”

As Warchus says, the show is set in a local MP’s office, where Maxwell Martin plays a hard-working opposition backbencher who is tested by the demands of an ex-serviceman in crisis, played by Corden. 

Penhall added: “I began writing this play four years ago, as I became fascinated and appalled by the growing antipathy towards elected politicians. But during lockdown it looked like theatre was done for, so when I showed a rough first draft to Matthew and he had such a confident vision for it, I was simultaneously thrilled and doubtful of our chances. It’s beyond exciting to be finally doing it and I feel utterly indebted to the Old Vic and everyone involved for getting us here.”