Cast announced for PRIVATE LIVES at Reading Rep Theatre

Reading Rep Theatre has announced the full cast for its upcoming production of Noël Coward's Private Lives, which opens at the theatre this Spring. 

Christopher Bonwell (The Mousetrap, The Woman in Black, West End) will make his Reading Rep Theatre debut in the role of the charmingly insufferable Elyot, and Emile John, Emmerdale, ITV), makes both his stage debut and Reading Rep Theatre debut in the role of the well-meaning yet hopelessly outmatched Victor.

Rose-Anna Nicholson, who has been a member of the Reading Rep Theatre Youth Ensemble for the past year, will make her professional stage debut in the role of Louise.  

They join the previously announced Amy Di Bartolomeo, who makes her Reading Rep Theatre debut as the progressively independent Amanda, and Orla O’Sullivan who returns to the theatre to play Amanda’s ‘ex-husbands-new-wife’, the superbly organised Sybil. 

Brilliantly crafted by Coward, these characters will arrive on stage in Reading from 16 April – 9 May. 

The sharp wit and acerbic comedy of Private Lives is brought to life under the direction of Matthew Forbes. Of working with this team, he said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with Emile as Victor and Christopher as Elyot. Both actors bring a wealth of experience from television and London’s West End, along with a depth, precision and charisma that make them a perfect fit for Coward’s world. Their understanding of rhythm, language, and emotional nuance will bring tremendous sophistication to these roles, and paired with our previously announced cast members Amy Di Bartolomeo and Orla O’Sullivan, our audiences will have a truly fabulous evening at the theatre. I’m equally proud that this production will mark the professional stage debut of a member of the Reading Rep Theatre Youth Ensemble. Offering the opportunity to step into a professional production, and to work alongside performers of genuine West End calibre, is incredibly exciting. Creating that bridge between emerging local talent and established industry professionals sits at the heart of what Reading Rep is about. It’s not only an invaluable experience for a young actor at the start of their career, but a powerful statement about nurturing the next generation of artists right here in our community.”

Alongside Matthew a stellar creative team will help bring this production to life including set and costume designer Kevin Jenkins, lighting designer Elliot Griggs, sound designer Raffaela Pancucci, movement, fight and intimacy designer Yarit Dor, and casting director Jill Green Casting.

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