An extraordinary method of storytelling requires an extraordinary cast to enact it. And Intra Muros, at the Park Theatre, has all of the above: West End star Summer Strallen, musical writer Ché Walker, popular jazz artist Rio Kai, and a metatheatrical presentation of an enthralling story.
Written by Alexis Michalik, Intra Muros premiered in Paris in 2017 – where it is still running at La Pépinière Théâtre. The show features live music and digital sound mixing with an on-stage DJ – for this production, Rio.
Ché, whose shows include Been So Long, Flesh Wound, Crazy Love and The Frontline, directs Intra Muros. He will also play the ageing thespian and director of a play within the play, Richard, who attempts to direct his first theatre class in a maximum security prison. When only two inmates turn up, so begins a darkly comic exploration of life within the walls.
Summer will play Alice, an inexperienced social worker assisting Richard, opposite Emma Pallant as his former actress, ex-wife Jane. Victor Gardener and Declan Perring will also star as Angel and Kevin respectively.
Alexis Michalik’s previous works include the five-time Molière Award-winning show Edmond. He also penned the long-running hits Le Porteur d’Histoire and Le Cercle Des Illusionnistes, which received between them the Beaumarchais du Figaro Prize, the Jeune Théâtre de l’Académie Française Award and two further Molières.
Intra Muros’ UK premiere will play at the Park Theatre from 3 April – 4 May.