Shakespeare’s Globe has announced casting for its world premiere production of Princess Essex.
Directed by Robin Belfield (Twelfth Night, RSC), and written by and starring Anne Odeke (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Globe), the show tells the true story of Princess Dinubolu, the first woman of colour to enter a UK beauty pageant.
Joining Anne Odeke in the cast are: Matthew Ashforde as Mr Bacon / Ensemble, Nigel Barrett as Colonel Harris / Ensemble / Cover, Janai Bartlett as Eve, John Cummins as King Edward / Ensemble, Alison Halstead as Batwa / Ensemble, Lizzie Hopley as Mrs Bugle / Ensemble, Tyreke Leslie as Mayor Pepper / Counsellor Bernard / Ensemble, Sophie Mercell as Mr Southend Standard / Ensemble / Cover, Syakira Moeladi as Counsellor Geoffrey / Elise / Ensemble, Jamie-Rose Monk as Mrs Bacon / Ensemble, Anne Odeke as Princess Dinubolu, Eloise Secker as Violet / Ensemble, Kyla Semper as Eve, Simon Startin as Mayor Ingram / Ensemble, and Yasmin Taheri as Harriet / Ensemble.
Princess Essex explores themes of beauty and bravery, set in Edwardian England in 1908, at the iconic Kursaal in Southend, Europe’s biggest entertainment complex.
Writer Anne Odeke said in a statement: “I’m aware it’s not every day you get asked to write a play for the Globe’s main stage and to be in it. Though a daunting task, it’s above all else, an exciting one, with the greatest privilege of all being able to share with audiences Princess Dinubolu’s incredible story; a story that for over a hundred years remained hidden – a story of beauty, of belonging, and of authenticity.”
Director Robin Belfield said: “With Anne’s play we have an opportunity to shine a light on a little-known piece of British history. The story of a woman of colour, in Essex, in 1908, swimming against the tide. It’s a story we need to hear, from a voice we haven’t heard. I’m thrilled that we have such an extraordinary, brilliant, and diverse company to bring this hidden history to life for our modern ears.”
Princess Essex is playing at Shakespeare’s Globe from 13 September to 26 October 2024.
Book tickets to Princess Essex at Shakespeare’s Globe in London
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