Three actors who were in the 2018 production of Beth Steel’s Wonderland will return when the play about the miners’ strike is revived at Nottingham Playhouse in February 2019.
Joshua Glenister again plays 16-year-old Jimmy who is going down Welbeck pit in Nottinghamshire for the first time. Robin Bowerman reprises his role as American coal boss Ian MacGregor and Jack Quarton returns to the part of miner Fanny.
John Booker will play another 16-year-old, Malcolm, while William Travis is veteran miner Colonel.
Giles Taylor will take to the stage as David Hart, a reporter on The Times, and Geff Francis will play both pit manager Tilsley and Transport Secretary Nicholas Ridley.
Karl Haynes who played Sergeant Williams in the Playhouse’s production of Mufaro Makubika’s Shebeen in 2018 is Bobbo in Wonderland. Nicholas Shaw plays pitman Spud and Paul Kemp takes the role of politician Peter Walker.
Nottingham Playhouse artistic director Adam Penford, who again directs Wonderland, said, “Wonderland was a huge hit in 2018 and received standing ovations at every performance. Our audience has been calling for its return since it closed and it’s clear they feel an ownership of Beth Steel’s beautiful play.
“It’s rare that theatre resonates so strongly with a community, producing tears and laughter in equal measure. I’m sure the production will capture the imagination of the audience again whether they’re returning or seeing the show for the first time.
“I’m also thrilled we’re taking it to Northern Stage, where the story will resonate just as deeply.”
Wonderland runs at Nottingham Playhouse from Friday 8 February until Saturday 23 February. It transfers to Northern Stage from Wednesday 27 February until Saturday 9 March.