Comedian Richard Blackwood and EastEnders star Mark Monero star as two brothers on a collision course in a powerful new play from Roy Williams, one of the UK’s foremost young playwrights. Eclipse Theatre returns to Nottingham Playhouse with the world premiere tour of ANGEL HOUSE, Williams’ second Eclipse commission following the success of Little Sweet Thing. A cast of familiar television faces brings to life three generations of Black Britain in the hard-hitting story of a critical 24 hours in the life of a London council estate. Directed by Paulette Randall, ANGEL HOUSE runs at Nottingham Playhouse from Tuesday 26 February to Saturday 1 March at 7.45pm (Box Office 0115 941 9419 or www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk).
How can two brothers with the same upbringing take such different paths? Jean Vincent has lived in the Angel House tower block for fifty years, ever since arriving from the West Indies with her suitcase full of dreams. But she could never have predicted what the future held for her two sons. Frank is the ‘big man’ of the estate, putting his affairs in order as he heads for prison – or worse – after a tip-off led the police to his drugs stash. His brother Stephen, meanwhile, is a successful lawyer with lucrative plans to redevelop the estate – and his eyes on a safe seat in parliament. Then there’s Frank’s son Adam, struggling with his own life choices, like all the teenagers in Angel House. Over one Bank Holiday Monday, secrets are outed and destinies sealed.
A high-profile cast includes leading comedian, actor and television presenter Richard Blackwood as Stephen. Playing his onstage brother Frank is Mark Monero, star of TV’s Skins and EastEnders, in which he was long-term character Steve Elliott. Their mother Jean is played by Claire Benedict, known as both Elizabeth in Holby City and Precious Ramotswe in Radio 4’s No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. Playing the troubled Adam is Tendayi Jemberi, who featured in hit CBBC comedy Kerching! Chandra Ruegg (Chloe/Sophie) was Becky in Family Affairs; Joseph Kpobie (Lee) was Juley in EastEnders; Curtis Cole is about to appear in BBC3 sketch show Scallywagga; and Geoff Aymer (Desmond/Lloyd) is a renowned actor, writer and stand-up who featured in BBC2’s The Real McCoy. Paulette Randall directs her third Eclipse show and design is by Libby Watson.
Roy Williams is one of Britain’s most celebrated dramatists, with numerous awards to his name. His other stage work includes Days of Significance (RSC), Sing Yer Heart Out for The Lads (National Theatre), Clubland (Royal Court), and Little Sweet Thing (Eclipse Theatre), which Nottingham Playhouse co-produced in 2005. He is also a successful screenwriter, with credits including the BBC drama Babyfather, and his 2003 play Fallout is currently being produced as a film for Company Pictures/Channel Four Films.
Now in its sixth year, Eclipse Theatre has built an enviable reputation for its productions Moon on a Rainbow Shawl, Mother Courage and Her Children, Little Sweet Thing and Three Sisters. In 2007 Eclipse also produced The Generator festival at Nottingham Playhouse, one of the three founding Eclipse producers.
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