Production images have been released for Gary Owen's reimagining of Henrik Ibsen's Ghosts, directed by Rachel O'Riordan and performing at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre until 10th May.
Victoria Smurfitt and Callum Scott Howell in GHOSTS. Photo by Helen Murray
The world premiere of Henrik Ibsen's classic play relocates it to the modern day, and follows Helena, who is in the process of establishing a new children's hospital to commemorate her late husband. But when her ambitious son Oz returns home for the grand unveiling, the clash between mother and son threatens to reveal the family's darkest secrets.
The production stars Victoria Smurfit (Rivals, Bloodlands) as Helena, Callum Scott Howells (It's a Sin, Cabaret, Romeo & Julie) as Oz, Patricia Allison (Sex Education, A Dolls House Part 2) as Reggie, Rhashan Stone (Tambo & Bones, Keeping Faith) as Andersen and Deka Walmsley (Roots, Look Back in Anger) as Jacob.
Set and Costume Design is by Merle Hensel, Lighting Design by Simisola Majekodunmi, Sound Design by Donato Wharton, Music by Simon Slater and Casting by Anna Cooper CDG.
Rachel O'Riordan is Artistic Director of the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. She previously directed Romeo & Julie, A Doll's House, Foxfinder, and Bird.
Gary Owens's most recent play Romeo & Julie, also directed by O'Riordan, performed at the National Theatre and Sherman Theatre. His other theatre credits include Iphigenia in Splott (Sherman Theatre, later transferred to the Shed at the National), which won the UK Theatre Best New Play award and the James Tait Black Prize for Drama.
On Ghosts, Callum Scott Howells said, "Gary Owen's adaptation sheds brilliant new light on Ibsen's extraordinary piece and in Rachel O'Riordan's hands it promises to be an exciting ride."
Rachel O'Riordan commented, "In transporting the action of the play to present day England, its themes of family loyalty and the legacy of inheritance reveal themselves to be as timely as ever."
Victoria Smurfitt and Rhashan Stone in GHOSTS. Photo by Helen Murray
