Three new plays set to premiere at Park Theatre

Three new plays have been revealed for the 2027 Park90 season.

First is the London premiere of Birdcatcher, which runs from 2 to 27 March. The coming-of-age story about finding your voice inside an apocalyptic high-control group is written by Papatango Prize-winning playwright Laura Waldren and directed by Pentabus’s BAFTA-winning artistic director Elle While.

Lucy Mangan stars in the production, which has set and costume design by Amy Jane Cook, lighting design by Jessie Addinall, sound design by Helen Skiera and movement direction by Asha Jennings-Grant. It is a Pentabus production in association with Papatango Theatre Company, Middle Child Theatre and Park Theatre.

Next is the world premiere of Let the Whale Die, presented by New Perspectives and Royal and Derngate, Northampton, in association with Park Theatre. Meg Schadler’s dark comedy follows a girl who fails at her one job of keeping the aquarium’s orca alive, exploring rebellion, expectation and courage. It is directed by New Perspectives’ artistic director and CEO Angharad Jones. The show runs from Tuesday 4 to Saturday15 May 2027, with a press night on Thursday 6 May.

Finally, The Gentleman of Wimbledon receives its world premiere at Park Theatre. Based on a true story, the piece is set in 1930s Berlin, where sporting hero Baron Gottfried von Cramm inhabits two different worlds – one of aristocracy and one of queer love, pleasure and freedom. Oliver Lehne’s play will be presented in the round and directed by Matthew Iliffe. It will run from 16 June to 10 July.

The Park’s artistic director Jez Bond said: “Park90 has always been a space for bold ideas, new voices and stories that challenge expectations. These three plays are very different in subject and style, but each explores individuals confronting the world around them and finding the courage to make their own choices. We’re delighted to be collaborating with such an exciting range of writers, directors and producing partners, and to continue championing ambitious new writing on our intimate Park90 stage.”