Simon Russell Beale and Roger Allam to Star in New Plays at London's Hampstead Theatre | Playbill

News Simon Russell Beale and Roger Allam to Star in New Plays at London's Hampstead Theatre Hampstead Theatre has announced the premieres of two plays: Simon Russell Beale is to star as Georgian celebrity Samuel Foote in Ian Kelly's Mr Foote's Other Leg and Roger Allam is to star in David Hare's The Moderate Soprano about the man who built Glyndebourne Opera House.

They will be directed by Richard Eyre and Jeremy Herrin (the latter of whom is currently represented on Broadway by Wolf Hall), respectively.

In a press statement, Edward Hall, artistic director of the theatre, has commented, "As we move into our sixth year at Hampstead it's a real privilege to bring two fascinating and entertaining new plays to the Main Stage. Both plays are inspired by true stories, marking a momentous time in British society whilst exploring the place of the Arts in public life."

Mr Foote's Other Leg will begin performances Sept. 14 prior to an official opening Sept. 21, for a run through Oct. 17. The play is based on Kelly's own award-winning biography of Samuel Foote, who was one of the great lost figures of Georgian London: a satirist, impressionist and dangerous comedian who had the ear of the King. In an age obsessed with fame, his colleagues from the worlds of science and the stage – from Benjamin Franklin to David Garrick – begin to wonder: does fame make you mad? Further casting is still be announced.



The Moderate Soprano will begin performances Oct. 23 prior to an oficial opening Oct. 29, for a run through Nov. 28.The play revolves around John Christie, an Etonian science teacher whose admiration for the works of Wagner leads him to embark on an ambitious project: the construction of an Opera House on his estate near Lewes in Sussex. Hare's The Judas Kiss was previously revived at Hampstead in a production that subsequently transferred to the West End. Herrin has previously directed revivals of Hare's The Vertical Hour and The Absence of War as well as the premiere of South Downs. Allam previously appeared at Hampstead in the UK premiere of Theresa Rebeck's Seminar in 2014. Further casting is still to be announced.

To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 7722 9301, or visit hampsteadtheatre.com

 
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