The Maids

The Maids starring Uzo Aduba, Zawe Ashton and Laura Carmichael at Trafalgar Studios

The Jamie Lloyd Theatre Company presents the UK premiere of a full-throttle contemporary adaptation of Jean Genet’s masterpiece The Maids – not seen in the West End for twenty years.

Loosely based on a real-life French case in which two maids murdered their mistress, The Maids was originally staged at the Sydney Theatre Company, with Cate Blanchett and Isabelle Huppert playing the whacked-out domestics who want to rid themselves of the employer they call the ‘Bitch’.

Director Jamie Lloyd has assembled a powerhouse trio of actors – double Emmy Award winning Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black), Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat) and Laura Carmichael (Downton Abbey), to tackle this explosive psycho-drama. Uzo Aduba and Zawe Ashton will play the maids, Solange and Claire. Laura Carmichael will play Madam.

The Maids plays a limited season from 20 February 2016 until 21 May 2016 at Trafalgar Studios

STORY

In a luxurious bedroom, two maids fantasize about killing their employer, playing out dangerous and sadistic scenarios as they plan her violent death.
An intense psychological thriller seething with unique theatricality and brimming with intrigue, The Maids is a vicious analysis of the class system, and a provocative exploration of sexuality.

CAST

The cast includes Uzo Aduba (Orange is The New Black), Laura Carmichael (Downton Abbey) and Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat).

CREATIVE

Jean Genet’s The Maids by Benedict Andrews and Andrew Upton will be directed by Jamie Lloyd with design by Soutra Gilmore.

REVIEWS

★★★★ Uzo Aduba is a remarkable tour de force – The Guardian
★★★★ Simply Intoxicating – The Times
★★★★ A fabulously acted revival – Financial Times
★★★★ Zawe Ashton gives an absolutely sensational performance – The Independent
★★★★ Ultra-cool, kinky, brilliant – Time Out
★★★★ Laura Carmichael as Mistress is played with insane panache – The Times
Feverish vision of rebellion and revenge – Evening Standard

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Theatre Information

Trafalgar Studio One
Address: 14 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2DY
Nearest Tube or Train: Charing Cross (Northern line, Bakerloo line)
Nearest Buses: 3, 9, 11, 12, 24, 29, 53, 77A, 88, 153, 159


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