The multi award-winning production of Lolita Chakrabarti's play Red Velvet is to come to the Garrick Theatre next year as part of the Kenneth Branagh season.
The Olivier Award-winning actor Adrian Lester will once again take on the role of one of the first black American actors, Ira Aldridge.
Due to open in early January 2016, Red Velvet started life at North London’s Tricycle Theatre, where it received rave reviews from both audiences and critics. Following this success, the production directed by Indhu Rubasingham transferred off-Broadway to the St Ann’s Warehouse in 2014.
Set in London in the 1800’s, Red Velvet follows a young black American actor as he takes over the role of Othello at the Theatre Royal after legendary actor Edmund Kean collapses on stage playing the part.
On the announcement of the new, Kenneth Branagh said, ‘Writing, direction and performance are exceptional in Red Velvet. I'm immensely proud to be presenting this work. I was aware of its development from its inception and believe Lolita Chakrabarti has written an important and exhilarating play which in its discussion of performance, politics, and race is as entertaining as it is illuminating’.
Adrian Lester is best known from the popular BBC drama Hustle and his stage credits include the title role in Othello at the National Theatre, Fences and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in the West End.
Red Velvet will begin previews at the Garrick Theatre from 23 January 2016, with opening night scheduled for the 1 February 2016. The production runs through to 27 February 2016.
Theatreland is awash with rumours of the possible West End transfer of the Broadway smash-hit revival of The King and I.