The U.K. debut of Jeremy O. Harris' "Daddy" A Melodrama officially opens at London's Almeida Theatre April 6, after beginning performances March 26. Directed by Danya Taymor, the production is set to continue through April 30. The work is an exploration of intimacy and identity in which Basquiats, gospel, and fantasy collide around a Bel Air swimming pool.
Starring are Terique Jarrett (Motown), Claes Bang (Dracula), and Sharlene Whyte (Small Axe), leading a cast that also includes Olivier nominee John McCrea (Everybody's Talking About Jamie), Ioanna Kimbrook (Bitter Wheat), and Jenny Rainsford (Fleabag). The production also features a gospel choir, comprising Rebecca Bernice Amissah, Keisha Atwell, and T'Shan Williams.
Taymor directs the Almeida production following the work's 2019 Off-Broadway premiere via The New Group and Vineyard Theatre, with scenic designer Matt Saunders, costume designer Montana Levi Blanco, lighting designer Isabella Byrd, and sound designer Lee Kinney all reprising their work from that production.
Also on the creative team are music supervisor Tim Sutton, co-costume designer Peter Todd, hair and makeup designer Cynthia De La Rosa, choreographer and movement director Anjali Mehra, intimacy and fight director Yarit Dor, and dialect coach Brett Tyne. The production is cast by Amy Ball and features dolls designed by Tschabalala Self and an original vocal score by Darius Smith.
Harris’ previous work includes Slave Play (nominated for 12 Tonys), Black Exhibition, Xander Xyst, Dragon: 1, WATER SPORTS; or insignificant white boys, and A24’s acclaimed film Zola, directed by Janicza Bravo.
