In the week that Ken, an homage to Ken Campbell written and performed by Terry Johnson, opens at Hampstead Theatre, the cast is announced for the venue's main stage production of Howard Brenton's Lawrence After Arabia.
Commissioned by Hampstead Theatre, this new play marks the centenary of the Arab revolt by looking at the reclusive life of T E Lawrence in the house of George Bernard Shaw where the "uncrowned King of Arabia" hides on his return to England.
Howard Brenton's other writing credits include The Arrest of Ai Weiwei, In Extremis, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, Weapons Of Happiness and Thirteenth Night.
Jack Laskey is to play the role of T E Lawrence. In addition to roles at Shakespeare’s Globe, Punchdrunk and the RSC, Laskey's credits include Sons Without Fathers at Arcola Theatre and I am the Wind and Sweet Nothings at the Young Vic.
Sam Alexander plays Lowell Thomas, William Chubb plays Field Marshall Edmund Allenby, Geraldine James plays Charlotte Shaw, Khalid Laith plays Prince Feisal, Rosalind March plays Blanche Patch and Jeff Rawle plays George Bernard Shaw.
The director is John Dove and the composer is Philip Pinsky.
The season runs as follows:
- Ken – 7 April to 7 May
- Lawrence After Arabia –28 April to 4 June
- Giving – 12 May to 11 June
- Wild –10 June to 16 July
- Alligators – 17 June to 16 July