Jack Laskey, Jeff Rawle and Geraldine James will star in the world premiere of Howard Brenton’s Lawrence After Arabia at Hampstead Theatre later this month.
Directed by John Dove, Endeavour star Laskey will make his Hampstead Theatre debut as T.E. Lawrence when the production plays at the west London venue from 28 April to 4 June.
Set in 1922, Lawrence After Arabia tells the story of a wearied Lawrence who, fed up with his romanticised persona and worldwide fame, vanishes without a trace. But in the idyllic calm of the village of Ayot St Lawrence, the brilliant archaeologist, scholar, linguist, writer and diplomat is making himself at home on the top floor of Mr and Mrs Bernard Shaw’s home with slabs of homemade carrot cake for comfort.
Harry Potter star Rawle returns to the London stage following his last appearance in The Old Vic’s High Society to play Bernard Shaw. The Drop The Dead Donkey star boasts numerous theatre credits including Handbagged at the Tricycle Theatre and in the West End, and National Theatre productions including The Power Of Yes and Fram.
BAFTA-nominated James returns to the Hampstead Theatre following Give Me Your Answer Do. The star of films including Made In Dagenham and Calendar Girls follows extensive theatre credits including Cymbeline at the National Theatre and The Faith Healer at the Almeida to play Rawle’s stage wife Charlotte.
The trio will be joined in the cast by Sam Alexander, William Chubb, Khalid Laith and Rosalind March.
Lawrence After Arabia will play at Hampstead Theatre following current comedy Reasons To Be Happy, which continues its run to 16 April.