The Old Vic in London is staging the latest play by award-winning playwright Mike Bartlett.
Titled The 47th, the play is set in 2024 as the US heads to the polls to elect the next, 47th President of the United States of America. The play promises to be a viciously funny, chaotic glimpse into the underbelly of the greatest political show on earth – the next presidential race.
Olivier Award-winning actor Bertie Carvel has been cast as Donald Trump in the play, alongside Lydia Wilson as Ivanka Trump and Tamara Tunie as Kamal Harris.
The play will be directed by the Almeida Theatre’s artistic director Rupert Goold, who reunites with Bartlett following their 2014 collaboration with King Charles III. Bertie Carvel has also worked with Bartlett on audio drama Phoenix, and BBC series Doctor Foster. Carvel and Goold reunite following their acclaimed production of James Graham’s political play Ink, where Carvel starred as Rupert Murdoch.
The 47th runs at the Old Vic Theatre from 29 March to 28 May 2022, produced by the Old Vic, Sonia Friedman productions and Annapurna Theatre.
The artistic director of the Old Vic, Matthew Warchus, told the press today that: “Mike Bartlett’s new play, The 47th, offers a provocative look at our not-too-distant future with equally hilarious and chilling consequences. Directed by Rupert Goold, Mike Bartlett’s zeitgeisty verse play shines a light on the 2024 presidential race – as he did for the coronation in his Olivier award-winning play King Charles III.”
The Old Vic also announced a number of other productions for 2022, including the London premiere in June of Tinuke Craig’s acclaimed revival of Jitney by August Wilson, following last year’s sell out run at the Leeds Playhouse and on tour. Jitney is produced by the Old Vic, Headlong and Leeds Playhouse, and stars Leanne Henlon, Wil Johnson, Geoff Aymer, Leemore Marrett Jr and Tony Marshall.
Also revived at the Old Vic in 2022 is Caryl Churchill’s acclaimed play A Number directed by Lyndsey Turner and starring Lennie James and Paapa Essiedu; and Jack Thorne’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol, back for its sixth outing this Christmas, directed by Matthew Warchus. The show starts on 12 November 2022, running to 7 January 2023.
Mike Bartlett’s play COCK is also being revived in London in 2022, with Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton) and Taron Egerton (Rocketman) starring as a gay couple. Directed by Marianne Elliot (War Horse, Company), COCK opens on 5 March 2022 at the Ambassadors Theatre.
Also the Lyric Hammersmith will stage the world premiere of Mike Bartlett’s comedy Scandaltown in April 2022, directed by Lyric Hammersmith Theatre Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan.
Bertie Carvel is an acclaimed actor with stage work including Hairy Ape at the Old Vic, and he won an Olivier Award for his role in Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre.
Book tickets to The 47th at the Old Vic theatre in London
Also booking at the Old Vic: Caryl Churchill’s A Number, and A Christmas Carol
