Kiln Theatre announces new productions for 2023

Kiln Theatre has revealed three new productions which will be staged at the west London venue.

Firstly, Jennifer Lunn’s Es and Flo will run from 5 to 24 June (with a press night set for 8 June) under the helm of Kiln’s former associate director Susie McKenna. The piece is a Wales Millennium Centre production, which celebrates the love of an older lesbian couple, and transfers to London following its Cardiff premiere.

The cast is led by Doreene Blackstock (as Flo) and Liz Crowther (as Es), alongside Michelle McTernan (as Catherine), Adrianna Pavlovska (as Beata) and Renée Hart/Chioma Nduka (as Kasia).

The creative team also includes designer Libby Watson, lighting designer Simisola Majekodunmi, sound designer and composer Tic Ashfield, casting director Nadie Rennie CDG, movement director Dollie Henry, intimacy coordinator Ingrid Mackinnon and associate director Alice Eklund.

Next up is Modest (29 June to 15 July, with a 4 July press night), written by Ellen Brammar and co-directed by Luke Skilbeck and Paul Smith. Produced by Middle Child in collaboration with Milk Presents and featuring music by Rachel Barnes (who also serves as MD), the play shines a spotlight on Victorian art scene megastar Elizabeth Thompson and will boast a cast of UK drag artists, who are to be announced.

The production will also feature set design by QianEr Jin, lighting design by Jessie Addinall, sound design and music production by Eliyana Evans, costume design by Terry Herfield, movement direction by Tamar and Jo Dance Company, assistant direction by Prime Isaac and dramaturgy by Skilbeck, Smith and Matthew May.

Finally, the Kiln will stage the UK premiere of Lynn Nottage’s Mlima’s Tale, directed by Miranda Cromwell. The piece follows the spiritual journey of an elephant named Mlima, who is slaughtered for his magnificent tusks. It will run in the autumn, with dates and casting to be confirmed.

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