Surprise casting today from English National Opera. Their new production of opera The Handmaid’s Tale by Poul Ruders, playing at the London Coliseum in April, will feature some clever casting that the agents of the ASK talent agency would be proud of.
Much admired French actress Camille Cottin is set to make her West End debut in the cast of The Handmaid’s Tale, in the non-singing role of Professor Piexoto.
Professor Piexoto is an historian and the Director of the 20th and 21st century archives at Cambridge University, presenting a lecture in the future about the dystopian Republic of Gilead, where the opera is set.
Camille recently appeared in Ridley Scott’s movie House of Gucci alongside Lady Gaga and Adam Driver; she is also in BBC’s Killing Eve ,and is internationally recognised for playing Andrea Martel in the TF1 and Netflix hit Call My Agent. A new musical version of Call My Agent is currently underway for a West End run in 2024, and with her West End debut under her belt, maybe Camille stands a chance of getting cast!
This new ENO production of Poul Ruders’ The Handmaid’s Tale is based on Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel, and directed by ENO’s Artistic Director, Annilese Miskimmon, with Joana Carneiro conducting. Annemarie Woods is the Set and Costume Designer, Paule Constable is the Lighting Designer, Imogen Knight is the Movement Director and Intimacy Coordinator, Akhila Krishnan is the Video Designer, and Yvonne Gilbert is the Sound Designer.
The cast is led by mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey as Offred, soprano Emma Bell as Aunt Lydia, bass-baritone Robert Hayward as The Commander, contralto Avery Amereau as Serena Joy, tenor Frederick Ballentine as Nick, soprano Rhian Lois as Janine/Ofwarren, soprano Pumeza Matshikiza as Moira, soprano Elin Pritchard as Ofglen, mezzo-soprano Madeleine Shaw as Rita, tenor Alan Oke as The Doctor, mezzo-soprano Susan Bickley as Offred’s Mother, and tenor John Findon as Luke.
The Handmaid’s Tale plays at the London Coliseum on April 8, 12, 14 at 19.30, and April 10 at 15.00.
Book The Handmaid’s Tale tickets
