Sadie Frost will return to the London stage this September to star as burlesque icon Gypsy Rose Lee in the world premiere of Zoe Lewis’ Britten In Brooklyn at East London’s legendary Wilton’s Music Hall.
Based on the true story of Lee, Benjamin Britten, WH Auden and Carson McCullers’ lives together in World War II, the passionate drama reunites Frost and Lewis following Frosts’ appearance in the playwright’s one-woman play Touched… For The Very First Time.
Set in New York in 1940, Britten In Brooklyn’s artistic quartet reside in a dilapidated house in Brooklyn Heights, but as the brutal realities of war takes hold, their community at 7 Middagh Street starts to unravel as Britten finds himself exiled in American for his beliefs.
Heralded as a national disgrace, the composer must decide which way his conflicted political ideals lie, but the constant parties, doomed affairs and a mysterious stranger provide an easy distraction.
Commenting on her forthcoming return to the stage, Frost said: “I am thrilled that the premiere of Zoe’s brilliant play is to be staged in Wilton’s Music Hall. It was always our first choice of venue and the stunningly restored theatre with its beautiful, faded bohemian elegance, will form an integral part of the production.”
While the actor has made a number of stage appearances over her hugely successful career, she is undoubtedly best known for her film work in hits including Dracula, Shopping, An Ideal Husband and Love, Honour And Obey.
Britten In Brooklyn will be directed by Oli Rose and play at the stunning venue for a strictly limited season from 31 August – 17 September.