We’re Staying Right Here. Where’s here, I hear you ask? The Park Theatre, who have today announced casting for Henry Devas’ debut play of the same name – with Game Of Thrones actor Daniel Portman set to star.
Tom Canton (previous credits including The Country Girls, Chichester), Danny Kirrane (Jerusalem, Royal Court) and Liam Smith (Howard Barker Double Bill, Arcola) have also been cast opposite Daniel, who is best known for playing the loyal squire Podrick Payne in the hit TV show. Jez Pike directs.
A black comedy which explores issues of male depression and suicide, We’re Staying Right Here follows comedian, new father and all-round nice guy Matt (Kirrane), for whom all everything is ticking along just fine. Until the war starts, that is, and Matt, Tristabel (Canton) and Benzies (Portman) are forced to hole up in a boarded up flat.
Wiling away their days bantering about life, comedy – and Paul Newman – Matt reaches the conclusion that he must escape. But first, he has to make up his mind about what his role in this ‘war’ is going to be…
Writer Henry Devas said of We’re Staying Right Here, “I’m over the moon to have my debut play premiering at Park Theatre this spring. The play’s aim is to explore the experience of depression and the issue of suicide amongst men whilst finding comedy and humour within one of societies darkest themes.
“Having experienced depression personally and with suicide being the number one killer of men under 50, I believe it is imperative to encourage discussion surrounding this silent, and in many cases invisible, epidemic. Through taking a unique approach to the subject, we hope to increase awareness and understanding of this legitimate illness, whilst attempting to remove the stigma that absolutely still exists.”
Performances of We’re Staying Right Here begin 26 February, running until 23 March.