Written and starring Anne Odeke, she is the first person of colour to write and star in their own play on the Globe stage.
Anne Odeke as Joanna in Princess Essex at Shakespeare's Globe. Photo by Johan Persson.
Production images have been released for the new play, Princess Essex.
Playing at the Globe and directed by Robin Belfield (Twelfth Night, The 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 is a fast-paced, music-filled, empowering comedy that shines a little on a little-known piece of British history.
Princess of Essex will run at the Shakespeare's Globe until 26 October 2024.
