From Islington to Syria: Lucinda Burnett’s Correspondence

Correspondence, a powerful new drama by Lucinda Burnett set between Stockport and Syria on the brink of the Arab Spring, opens at the Old Red Lion Theatre this March.

This bittersweet story of fledgling friendships and mental health has been scheduled to coincide with the 5th Anniversary of the Syrian Revolution.

Ali Ariaie will play Jibreel Jalebi. Ariaie’s credits include Raised by Wolves (Channel 4), Julius Caesar (Crescent Theatre), Medea and The Tale of the Wolf and the Shepherd (Arthur Cotterell Theatre) and Points of Departure (Jermyn Street Theatre).

Joe Attewell, who trained at The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts will play Ben Loveall. His credits include Jekyll & Hyde (ITV) and Holby City (BBC 1). Theatre credits include One Time Thing (Park Theatre) and The Squeaky Clean (New Wimbledon Studio).

Joanna Croll, from Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, will play Fran Loveall. TV credits include Luther (BBC) and Sirens (Channel 4). Her theatre credits include Romeo & Juliet (Sheffield Theatres), The Mousetrap (60th Anniversary UK Tour), Oh! What A Lovely War (Northern Stage), Wicked Women (Arcola) and Marieluise and Habitats (The Gate).

Mark Extance, who will play David Loveall, trained at the London Centre for Theatre Studies. His credits include Three Days in the Country, Scenes From An Execution, Travelling Light and London Assurance (National Theatre), Yes Prime Minster, And Then There Were None, Waiting for Godot and You Never Can Tell (UK Tour and West End), Pygmalion (Old Vic and Hong Kong Arts Festival) and Uncle Vanya (English Touring Theatre).

Jill McAusland, who also trained at Rose Bruford, will play Harriet Pretty. Her credits include Call The Midwife (BBC), Jumpy (Royal Court West End, Duke of York’s), Out of the Cage (Park Theatre) and The Conspirators (Orange Tree Theatre).

Correspondence plays at the Old Red Lion Theatre, London from 8 March 2016 - 2 April 2016.