Cast Announcement! Three fantastic actors starring in ‘The Red Lion’ this Autumn!

28 Jul 2023 News, Shows

We are delighted to announce the cast and creatives for our new production of Patrick Marber’s West End smash-hit drama, The Red Lion, directed by our Artistic Director/Chief Executive Douglas Rintoul. The production plays on our stage from 7-23 September 2023, and at Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch, from 26-30 September 2023.

The Red Lion takes audiences into the heart of a struggling semi-professional football club trying to make ends meet. It’s a world far from the glamour, millionaires, celebrities and 24-hour media attention of the Premier League. This brilliant, sensitive and funny play by the multi-award-winning Patrick Marber takes us beyond the pitch and into the changing room. Banter, laughter, despair and raw emotions are exposed, relationships explode and conflict simmers between three generations as they fight for their individual goals and obsessions, desperate with the want to be a part of something. Things look up when Jordan, a gifted young player, appears out of nowhere but he soon finds himself stuck between the conflicting ambitions of Yates, the kit man and a former club legend who sees him as the key to returning to former glory days, and the manager, Kidd, desperate to deliver success with his mind on the money. Loyalty, trust, morals and friendship are pushed to the very edge, leading them to ask if this is really the opportunity everyone’s been waiting for?

The cast of The Red Lion is:

A cast announcement graphic for ‘The Red Lion.’ On the left is a headshot of Olatunji Ayofe, who has short dark hair and a serious expression on their face. In the top right, text reads ‘Starring Olatunji Ayofe as Jordan, the gifted young player.’

Olatunji Ayofe (After Life for National Theatre, The Living Newspaper Edition 5 for The Royal Court, Half Full for The Royal Court, Silo for Apple TV) as Jordan

A cast announcement graphic for ‘The Red Lion.’ On the left is a headshot of Crispin Letts, who has short grey hair and a slight smile on their face. In the top right, text reads ‘Starring Crispin Letts as Yates, the club 'legend.’

Crispin Letts (Black Cake for Hulu, Disclaimer for Apple, The Lesson for Lionsgate, The Entertainer for Kenneth Branagh Company at The Garrick Theatre) as Yates

A cast announcement graphic for ‘The Red Lion.’ On the left is a headshot of Alastair Natkiel, who has short dark hair and a serious expression on their face. In the top right, text reads ‘Starring Alastair Natkiel as Kidd, the desperate club manager.’

Alastair Natkiel (Silent Witness for BBC, Line of Duty Season 5&6 for BBC, Standing At The Sky’s Edge for Sheffield Crucible and National Theatre) as Kidd.

The Creative Team is Sound Designer Helen Atkinson, Associate Director Jamie Beddard, Set & Costume Designer Zoe Hurwitz, Fight Director Haruka Kuroda, Director Douglas Rintoul, Wardrobe Supervisor Kira Tisbury, Lighting Designer Jack Weir and Casting Director Christopher Worrall.

Douglas Rintoul, Director of The Red Lion and Artistic Director/Chief Executive of the New Wolsey Theatre, said ‘I can’t wait to stage this top-notch drama here in Ipswich. Football is central to the identity of the town as is the theatre. Bringing these two worlds together is perfect for our communities. With this excellent cast and team, The Red Lion is going to be a thrilling night out whether you are interested in football or not.’

Click here to find out more and book your tickets for The Red Lion!