James Corden is returning to the London stage this summer in new Joe Penhall play The Constituent at The Old Vic.
Directed by The Old Vic’s artistic director Matthew Warchus, the new play sees James Corden return to the stage following his triumphant run in One Man, Two Guvnors at the National Theatre, in the West End, and on Broadway.
Tony, BAFTA and Emmy Award winner James Corden has been busy in American over the last few years hosting The Late Late Show. His other credits include Gavin & Stacey, and The History Boys.
The Constituent will also star Anna Maxwell Martin (Motherland, Line of Duty) and Zachary Hart (An Enemy of the People, The Witcher).
Joe Penhall (Blue/Orange, Sunny Afternoon) has written a political comedy set in an MP’s constituency office, with Corden as an ex-serviceman whose life is in freefall, Anna Maxwell Martin as an opposition backbencher, and Zachary Hart as a parliamentary protection officer.
Joining Matthew Warchus in the creative team are set and costume by Rob Howell and lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, with further creatives to be announced.
Matthew Warchus said in a statement: “In a theatre once mainly renowned for classic revivals, I’m excited to present The Old Vic’s 25th world premiere since my tenure began in 2015 – this urgently topical new play from Joe Penhall set in a local MP’s constituency office. In a landscape of increasing threat, what place is there for empathy? Is an open door policy now dependent on stab vests?”
Joe Penhall said: “I began writing this play four years ago, as I became fascinated and appalled by the growing antipathy towards elected politicians. But during lockdown it looked like theatre was done for, so when I showed a rough first draft to Matthew and he had such a confident vision for it, I was simultaneously thrilled and doubtful of our chances. It’s beyond exciting to be finally doing it and I feel utterly indebted to the Old Vic and everyone involved for getting us here.”
Currently playing at The Old Vic is Just For One Day – The Live Aid Musical, which ends its run on 30 March 2024, and has announced that it is transferring to the West End. Coming up at The Old Vic is Sophie Treadwell’s acclaimed true-crime drama Machinal from 11 April to 1 June 2024.
The Constituent will play at The Old Vic from 13 June to 10 August.
More about tickets to The Constituent
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