Sacha Wares, who directed the critically acclaimed Game at the Almeida Theatre in 2015, will return to the Islington venue this spring to direct Leo Butler’s new play Boy.
The world premiere production, which runs from 5 April to 28 May, follows a boy at a bus stop, a Londoner easily missed, as playwright Butler casts a sharp eye over the city.
The production brings together two of London theatre’s most acclaimed designers, Miriam Buether, who worked with Wares on Game, and Olivier Award winner Ultz.
Boy also marks the beginning of a new partnership for the Almeida, as the north London venue teams up with its local football team Arsenal for a project aiming to encourage local young people who hadn’t previously been involved with theatre to create and share their stories.
Speaking about the project, Almeida Theatre Artistic Director Rupert Goold said: “As a die-hard Arsenal fan I’m well aware of the established and respected track record the club has in supporting our local community. It’s great to be able to partner with Arsenal in the Community on a project of such relevance and importance.”
The new partnership will bring 40 young people, recruited by Arsenal In The Community, together with four professional playwrights as part of a 10-week course.
Butler’s Boy opens at the Almeida following Robert Icke’s new adaptation of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, which runs from 5 February.