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Birmingham Rep in Centenary Square, Birmingham
Blue Beard artwork. A close-up of just the head of a person with a bright blue beard and twirled handlebar moustache looking directly down the camera with one eyebrow raised. They have lots of glamorous black and blue make-up on their eyes. They are wearing a white nun’s habit and are in front of a dark blue, slightly pixilated background.
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BLUE BEARD CAST ANNOUNCEMENT

We’re thrilled today (Thu 23 Nov) to unveil the full cast and creative team for the highly anticipated world première of Blue Beard. Written and directed by Emma Rice, the Artistic Director of theatre company Wise Children, the production promises a captivating blend of magic, mystery, and theatrical wonder.

The stellar cast includes Isabel Adomakoh Young, Stu Barker, Mirabelle Gremaud, Stephanie Hockley, Patrycja Kujawska, Adam Mirsky, Katy Owen, and Tristan Sturrock. It’s a co-production with Birmingham Rep, HOME Manchester, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, and York Theatre Royal.

Rice, known for her distinctive theatrical style, injects her signature sleight of hand into Blue Beard, exploring themes of curiosity and consent, violence, and vengeance. The production promises to be an intoxicating experience, blending music, wit, and tender truths.

Theatre enthusiasts and fans of Rice’s work can look forward to a spellbinding journey into the world of Blue Beard when the production hits the stage on Tue 9 Apr – Sat 20 Apr.

 

A cast announcement for Blue Beard. In the Top Row there are headshots of Isabel Adomakoh Young, Stu Barker, Mirabelle Gremaud, and Stephanie Hockley. In the Bottom Row there are headshots of Patrycja Kujawska, Adam Mirsky, Katy Owen, and Tristan Sturrock. The background is a navy blue. All of the headshots are oval and have a thin silver boarder.

The enigmatic Blue Beard is a magician whose tricks include making people and objects disappear with a mere wave of his hand. The play takes a dark turn when his young bride uncovers his sinister secret, leading to a gripping tale of rage, intelligence, and sisterhood.

Rice has expressed her excitement about bringing her unique vision to this “beguiling and disturbing” tale. Blue Beard aims to captivate audiences with a fresh perspective on the age-old themes of power, control, and the consequences of forbidden curiosity.

The creative team is Stu Barker (Composer), Vicki Mortimer (Set and Costume Designer), Simon Baker (Sound and Video Designer), Malcolm Rippeth (Lighting Designer), Etta Murfitt (Movement Director and Choreographer), and Ian Ross (Musical Supervisor and Arranger).

Book your tickets today