Nikki Amuka-Bird and Daniel Cerqueira will return to the Royal Court Theatre in April to star alongside Andrew Scott in Simon Stephens’ new play Birdland.
The drama about a rock star who has it all plays in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs from 3 April to 31 May with Sherlock star Scott in the role of the illustrious musician.
Amuka-Bird, like her co-star Scott, is well-known for her role in a BBC detective series, having appeared as Erin Grey in Idris Elba-led drama Luther. The aptly-named actress returns to the Royal Court following her performance in 2012’s Love And Information. Elsewhere she has appeared in Welcome To Thebes at the National Theatre and The Trial Of Ubu at the Hampstead Theatre.
Cerqueira returns to the acclaimed new writing venue for the first time in more than 15 years after appearing in 1998’s Cleansed. More recently, he has been seen in productions including Feast and The Changeling at the Young Vic, and Table at National Theatre’s Shed.
They are joined in the cast of Carrie Cracknell’s production by Yolanda Kettle, who was last seen on the London stage in A Doll’s House at the Young Vic and in the West End, Alex Price (Before The Party, Almeida Theatre) and Charlotte Randle (The King’s Speech, West End).
Exploring themes of empathy, money and fame, Birdland charts the story of rock star Paul as the end of the road looms closer and a return home becomes a reality.
The production will open following the current run of The Mistress Contract, starring Danny Webb and Saskia Reeves, which closes on 22 March.