On 9 September 2014 Richard Bean’s new sell-out play Great Britain will transfer to the Theatre Royal Haymarket, where the lead role will be picked up by Lucy Paige
Lucy Punch will take over from Billie Piper in Great Britain
Lucy Punch will take over from Billy Piper as the ambitious and ruthless news editor Paige Britain. The English actress has many film and theatre credits to her name. Punch’s most notable film roles include You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger, Bad Teacher, Dinner for Schmucks and Hot Fuzz. The London-born actress’s film credits include playing Elaine in The Graduate at the Gielgud Theatre in 2000, appearing in Boy Gets Girl in 2001 and playing Kate in A Carpet, A Pony and A Monkey in 2002.
From phone hacking to MPs expenses
Richard Bean’s fast-paced and foul-mouthed play provides a satirical take on some of the most poignant incidents involving the British press in recent years, including phone hacking, MPs expenses and other corruption and sleaze.
Directed by Nicholas Hytner, Great Britain is currently running at the National Theatre where it will remain until 23 August. Since receiving its world premiere at the National Theatre in June this year Great Britain has enjoyed a string of fantastic reviews amid a sell-out run.
“A pleasurable sharing of scepticism and scorn”, wrote The Guardian.
Whilst The Telegraph described Great Britain as a play in which “laughter gives way to shame.”
Another new casting will see Ben Mansfield take over from Oliver Chris as the play’s assistant commissioner Donald Doyle Davidson.
Much of the original cast will reprise their roles from the National Theatre, including Sarah Annis, Dermot Crowley, Robert Calvert, Rupert Vansittart, William Chubb, Ross Boatman and Robert Calvert.
Previews will begin at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 9 September 2014 and the play will open on 26 September. It will run for a strictly limited period until 10 January 2015.
