Final casting announced for THE LAST STAND OF MRS. MARY WHITEHOUSE at Nottingham Playhouse
Nottingham Playhouse has announced that Tony and Olivier-nominated Samuel Barnett completes the casting for the world premiere of Caroline Bird’s The Last Stand of Mrs. Mary Whitehouse, alongside the previously announced Maxine Peake.
Samuel Barnett (Ben & Imo, Orange Tree Theatre/RSC; The History Boys, National Theatre) will take on over 15 diverse roles in this exciting new two-hander directed by Sarah Frankcom, including Mary’s husband, her mother, a documentary filmmaker, a roman centurion, Margaret Thatcher and Jesus.
Director Sarah Frankcom said: “I’m thrilled that Sam is joining us on the journey of bringing Caroline Bird’s wonderful play to life. I can’t wait to see him get under the skin of its huge panoply of real and imagined characters including vicars, activists, barristers, chat show hosts, the odd prime minister and Kenny Everett - that all help tell the story of Mary Whitehouse, once dubbed the most dangerous woman in Britain.”
The creative team includes designer Peter Butler, lighting designer Malcolm Rippeth, sound designer Annie May Fletcher, and voice and dialect coach Liz Flint.
Written by Caroline Bird, this wickedly funny new play explores the enigma of Mary Whitehouse: pearl-clutching prude or ‘the most dangerous woman in Britain’?
Caroline Bird delves into Whitehouse’s most explosive battle — her infamous blasphemy trial against Gay News, which revealed the shocking power behind her sweet smile. The play challenges beliefs about freedom, censorship, and explores one woman’s formidable resolve to push back the tide.
The Last Stand of Mrs. Mary Whitehouse is a work of fiction inspired by real events. Some characters and scenes have been imagined, or conflated from various sources including diaries, court records and interviews.
For more info on The Last Stand of Mrs. Mary Whitehouse, please click here.