The National Theatre has announced the full cast for Till the Stars Come Down as the company begins rehearsals. The new play from former National Theatre writer-in-residence Beth Steel (The House of Shades) is directed by Bijan Sheibani (Barber Shop Chronicles).
Philip Whitchurch joins the previously announced cast of Lorraine Ashbourne, Lucy Black, Lisa McGrillis, Sinéad Matthews, Derek Riddell, Ruby Stokes, Alan Williams, and Marc Wootton. Three children performing the role of Sarah throughout the run – Maggie Livermore, Cadence Williams and Bodhi Rae Breathnach.
Director Bijan Sheibani helms a creative team including set and costume designer Samal Blak, lighting designer Paule Constable, choreographer and movement director Aline David, sound designer Gareth Fry, fight director Kev McCurdy, intimacy coordinator Asha Jennings-Grant, staff director Stephan Mysko von Schultze, casting director Alastair Coomer CDG and children’s casting Chloe Blake.
This brand-new play, which marks Steel’s mainstage debut with the National Theatre, is set on a hot summer’s day as a family gathers to welcome a newcomer into their midst. As the vodka flows and dances are shared, passions boil over and the limits of love are tested. Till the Stars Come Down is a passionate, heartbreaking and hilarious portrayal of a larger-than-life family struggling to come to terms with a changing world.
Till the Stars Come Down is playing in the Dorfman theatre from 24 January until 16 March, with press night on 31 January.
Tickets are available from £20 and are on sale now via the National Theatre website. For further information, including details about assisted performances, please visit nationaltheatre.org.uk.
With thanks to the Areté Foundation, who support the National Theatre to make work that is ambitious and socially relevant.
