This new play tells the true story of Princess Dinubolu, the first woman of colour to enter a UK beauty pageant.
Anne Odeke, Nigel Barrett, Syakira Moeladi and Tyreke Leslie headshots provided by the production.
The cast has been announced for Princess Essex, which begins performances at Shakespeare's Globe from 13 September 2024.
Directed by Robin Belfield (Twelfth Night, RSC) and written by and starring Anne Odeke (A Midsummer Night's Dream, Globe), the cast compromises of Matthew Ashforde as Mr Bacon / Ensemble, Nigel Barrett as Colonel Harris / Ensemble / Cover, Janai Bartlett as Eve, John Cummins as King Edward / Ensemble, Alison Halstead as Batwa / Ensemble, Lizzie Hopley as Mrs Bugle / Ensemble, Tyreke Leslie as Mayor Pepper / Counsellor Bernard / Ensemble, Sophie Mercell as Mr Southend Standard / Ensemble / Cover, Syakira Moeladi as Counsellor Geoffrey / Elise / Ensemble, Jamie-Rose Monk as Mrs Bacon / Ensemble, Anne Odeke as Princess Dinubolu, Eloise Secker as Violet / Ensemble, Kyla Semper as Eve, Simon Startin as Mayor Ingram / Ensemble, and Yasmin Taheri as Harriet / Ensemble.
Princess of Essex is set in the Edwardian seaside of 1908, in Europe's biggest entertainment complex, the iconic Kursaal in Southend. The play which is set in 1908, shines a little on a little-known piece of British history.
Princess of Essex will run at the Shakespeare's Globe from 13 September - 26 October 2024.
