Full casting announced for Bakkhai starring Ben Whishaw at the Almeida

The Almeida Theatre has announced full casting for Bakkhai. 

James Macdonald directs Anne Carson’s new version of Euripides’ hedonistic, visceral tragedy. Using three actors and a chorus, this new production will echo the original Ancient Greek performance model.

Kevin Harvey joins the previously announced Ben Whishaw, who makes his Almeida debut as Dionysos, and Bertie Carvel who returns to the Almeida as Pentheus.

Editor's Blog: A West End Theatre Holiday (Part 2)

Click here to read Part 1 of this piece.

On Thursday afternoon I arrived at the Harold Pinter Theatre to see my first play of the year, Jez Butterworth’s Mojo starring Brendan Coyle, Rupert Grint, Tom Rhys Harries, Daniel Mays, Colin Morgan and Ben Whishaw. The reviews and word of mouth have built up the production to be absolutely mind blowingly brilliant, but personally I do not think it is. Mojo is incredibly interesting but takes too long to become gritty and gripping. 

The second act of Mojo is considerably stronger than the first and Ben Whishaw gives the most insanely exceptional performance. This was my first time seeing Ben perform live and you can't help but be drawn to him each time he steps on stage, regardless of what else is going on. Harry Potter star Rupert Grint, who is making his West End debut, gives a good performance. I could easily spot the Harry Potter fans, especially during the bows - I have never heard such a roar in a theatre after an afternoon performance, especially after such a heavy play! It is, of course, fantastic that the talented cast are attracting different audiences to the West End (most of whom had seen the production four or five times already).

Judi Dench Returning To The West End

For the last 2 weeks you have been voting for who you want to see return to the West End. However while you have been voting it has been announced that another star will be returning to the West End... the one and only Dame Judi Dench! Dame Judi will star as an ageing Alice (from the Alice in Wonderland series) in a new production written by Tony Award-winning John Logan, who also co-wrote Skyfall, the latest James Bond film.

Another Skyfall star, Ben Whishaw, will also be taking part in the play which will be directed by Michael Grandage. The play centres upon an older version of Alice, who looks back at her adventurous life. It is describes as 'boldly original' and if it does well it is planned to transfer to Broadway.

Further information has since been announced. Click Here to find out more.

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