Michael Grandage is to direct Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans in the world premiere of Marcelo Dos Santos’ new comedy Backstairs Billy at the Duke Of York’s Theatre, London.
The Michael Grandage Company has announced that Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans will star in the world premiere of Marcelo Dos Santos’ new comedy Backstairs Billy.
Backstairs Billy looks at a pivotal moment in the 50-year relationship between the Queen Mother and her loyal servant William “Billy” Tallon. The play will be directed by Michael Grandage and will play at the Duke Of York’s Theatre from 27 October 2023 to 27 January 2024.
Michael Grandage said today “It is always a great moment to celebrate the birth of a new comedy in the West End and particularly from an important new voice such as Marcelo Dos Santos. I am thrilled to be working again with Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans alongside a cast of twelve other actors as we bring an exciting new play to the stage this autumn and over the Christmas period ahead.”
The production reunites Grandage with Wilton – they previously collaborated on productions of The Chalk Garden, John Gabriel Borkman and Hamlet; and with Evans who performed at the Donmar twice under Grandage‘s Artistic directorship, in Small Change and Piaf. Also, Marcelo Dos Santos was an MGCfutures Bursary recipient from 2019 – a charity established by Grandage to support theatre makers across all aspects of the industry. Following their introduction via the bursary programme, MGC commissioned Dos Santos to write Backstairs Billy.
Further casting to be announced.
