Edmond de Bergerac cast revealed for Birmingham REP and tour

Published: 16 February 2019
Reporter: Steve Orme

Freddie Fox (Edmond Rostand), Josie Lawrence (Sarah Bernhardt), Henry Goodman (Constant Coquelin) and Chizzy Akudulo (Maria)

Casting has been announced for Edmond de Bergerac, which will have its UK première at Birmingham REP before touring to York, Northampton, Cambridge and Richmond.

Alexis Michalik’s comedy won five Molière Awards and continues to play to packed houses in Paris at the Theatre du Palais-Royale. Here it will receive its English language première in a translation by Jeremy Sams.

Birmingham REP’s artistic director Roxana Silbert will direct a cast led by Freddie Fox as Edmond Rostand alongside Henry Goodman as Constant Coquelin, Josie Lawrence as Sarah Bernhardt and Chizzy Akudulo as Maria.

The cast also features Delroy Atkinson as Monsieur Honoré, Gina Bramhill as Jeanne, Nick Cavaliere as Ange Floury, Simon Gregor as Marcel, Harry Kershaw as Jean, David Langham as George Feydeau, Robin Morrisey as Léo and Sarah Ridgeway as Rosemonde.

Edmond de Bergerac is the story behind Cyrano de Bergerac. Set in Paris in 1897, it features playwright Edmond Rostand approaching his 30th birthday with no new plays but a whole lot of worries. He has not written anything in two years and in desperation has promised a new play to acting superstar Constant Coquelin.

A desperate Edmond draws on his problems to write a new comedy. It will be an “unbelievable” tale about the demands of his producers, the whims of the actresses, the jealousy of his wife, his doubting colleagues and the romantic adventures of his best friend.

Michalik wrote and directed Edmond in 2016 and the play has celebrated its 800th performance in Paris.

The UK production will be designed by Robert Innes Hopkins. Movement director is Liam Steel and composer is Dave Price. Sound design is by Dan Hoole and lighting design by Rick Fisher. Voice director is Stephen Kemble, casting director is Amy Ball and Jack McMahon is the assistant director.

Edmond de Bergerac runs at Birmingham REP from Friday 15 March until Saturday 30 March. It then tours to York Grand Opera House, Northampton’s Royal and Derngate, Cambridge Arts Theatre and Richmond Theatre until 4 May.

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