Raphael Akuwudike & Joshua Asaré will star in the 30th anniversary production of Jonathan Harvey’s coming-out and coming-of-age story Beautiful Thing.
Raphael Akuwudike, most recently seen in Romeo and Juliet at Almeida Theatre will play Ste with Joshua Asaré (Sundown Kiki and Sundown Kiki: Reloaded, Young Vic) playing Jamie. They are joined by Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge (Tony), Shvorne Marks (Sandra) and Scarlett Rayner (Leah).
Set in the nineties, Beautiful Thing is a touching, urban love story, full of warmth and humour, about community, friendship, rites of passage and what it is to be 16 and in love.
Directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike, the creative teams include Set & Costume Designer Rosie Elnile, Lighting Designer Elliot Griggs, Sound Designer Xana, Movement & Intimacy Director Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster, Casting Director Isabella Odoffin CDG, Associate Director Robert Awosusi, Fight Director Bret Yount, Costume Supervisor Jackie Orton, Voice & Dialect Coach Joel Trill, Production Dramatherapist Wabriya King and Casting Assistant Joanna Sturrock.
Commenting on his new production, Director Anthony Simpson-Pike says: “Beautiful Thing is an iconic queer story that holds a special place in so many people’s hearts. Many people saw their own stories on stage and screen for the first time. In its 30th anniversary year, I feel excited for people who look like me to see their own stories reflected on stage too, to feel that same stirring of recognition in this seminal piece. Black queer people have always been around, this beautiful story of discovering your true self and falling in love belongs to all of us.”
Beautiful Thing opens at Theatre Royal Stratford East from 8 September – 7 October, before playing Leeds Playhouse 18 – 28 October and HOME Manchester 31 October – 11 November.
Book tickets to Beautiful Thing at Theatre Royal Stratford East
Beautiful Thing – Cast headshots
