Cast: Globe Mysteries, Court Machine & My City

William Ash, best known for his role in the 2008 film Hush and for his regular appearances on the BBC’s Waterloo Road, will play Jesus. David Hargreaves, recently seen in the RSC’s King Lear, will take the role of God.

The Globe Mysteries
plays off classic medieval mystery theatre, one of the oldest forms of
drama and an important influence on English theatre. The mysteries
predate Shakespeare’s own productions and often employ aspects of
medieval life in dramatic theatrical interpretations of the Bible.

The
14-strong company will perform over 60 parts between them. Ash and
Hargreaves are joined by members of the ensemble currently performing in
the Globe’s Much Ado About Nothing.
The are: Joe Caffrey, Philip Cumbus, Marcus Griffiths, Adrian
Hood, Paul Hunter, Lisa McGrillis, Rhiannon Meades, David
Nellist, Matthew Pidgeon, John Stahl, Ony Uhiara and Helen
Weir.

The Globe Mysteries is directed by Deborah Bruce and designed by Jonathan Fensom.

Full casting has been announced for Alexi Kaye Campbell‘s third play The Faith Machine which debuts on 31 August (previews from 25 August 2011) at the Royal Court.

Joining the previously announced cast of Ian McDiarmid, Kyle Soller and Hayley Atwell in Jamie Lloyd‘s production are Bronagh Gallagher, Jude Akuwudike, Kezrena James, Maya Wasowicz and Alan Westaway.

Campbell’s third offering – following multi award-winning plays The Pride and Apologia – The Faith Machine tells the story of couple Sophie and Tom, whose travels from America to Europe, combined with events and decisions along the way, force them to evaluate the relationship between faith and capitalism, as well as questioning the true meaning of love.

The production, which runs at the Royal Court’s Jerwood Theatre Downstairs until 1 October, is designed by Mark Thompson with lighting by Neil Austin, music and sound by Alex Baranowski and video by Lorna Heavey.

Further casting has also been announced for Stephen Poliakoff‘s first new play in 12 years with Sian Brooke, Sorcha Cusack, Tom Riley and David Troughton joining previously announced Tracey Ullman in My City at the Almeida from 15 September (previews from 8 September 2011).

Poliakoff’s new play sees Richard Kenton (Riley) find his headmistress from primary school near St Paul’s Cathedral, lying on a park bench. As he becomes reacquainted with her and the other teachers that helped shape him, and begins to rediscover memories of their inspirational lessons and tales of London.

Sian Brooke was recently seen in Mike Leigh’s Ecstasy at the Hampstead Theatre and its subsequent West End transfer to the Duchess. Her other theatre credits include Joseph K at the Gate, Wanderlust for the Royal Court, Dido, Queen of Carthage for the National, The Birthday Party at the Lyric Hammersmith and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet and King Lear for the RSC.

Sorcha Cusack theatre credits include Madagascar for Theatre 503, The Grapes of Wrath at Chichester, A Miracle for the Royal Court, as well as Romeo and Juliet, King John and Antony and Cleopatra for the RSC and The Five Wives of Maurice Pinder, Peer Gynt and Playboy of the Western World for the National.

Tom Riley recently played Septimus Hodge in Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia on Broadway. For the Royal Court his credits include Paradise Regained, The Verticle Hour, Posh, Censorship and Victory. He was last on stage in London at the Riverside Studios in Hurts Given and Received in addition to frequent television appearances and film roles.

David Troughton‘s extensive work for the RSC includes taking the title roles in Richard III and Henry IV as well as appearances in Richard II, The Tempest, King Lear and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. His National Theatre credits include Season’s Greeting, Playing With Fire and Measure for Measure with other credits including Inherit The Wind and Enjoy at the Gielgud Theatre and on tour.

They are joined in the cast by newcomer Hannah Arterton. My City, which continues until 5 November 2011, is designed by Lez Brotherson with lighting by Oliver Fenwick and sound and music by Ben and Max Ringham.

– Matt Hannigan & Caitlin Robertson