Final casting has been announced for The Last Stand of Mrs. Mary Whitehouse at Nottingham Playhouse.
The new comedy by Caroline Bird (Red Ellen) is playing at Nottingham Playhouse from the 5 to 27 September 2025.
Already announced is Maxine Peake (Dinnerladies, Shameless, Silk, The Village, Inside No. 9, See No Evil, Black Mirror) as Mary Whitehouse.
She will be joined by Samuel Barnett (Ben & Imo, Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going To Happen, The History Boys) playing over 15 roles including Mary’s husband, her mother, a documentary filmmaker, a Roman centurion, Margaret Thatcher and Jesus!
The Last Stand of Mrs. Mary Whitehouse explores the divisive real-life figure of Mary Whitehouse, and her most explosive battle – the infamous 1976 blasphemy trial against Gay News.
Directed by Sarah Frankcom, the play challenges beliefs about freedom and censorship, and explores one woman’s formidable resolve to push back the tide, exploring the enigma of Mary Whitehouse: pearl-clutching prude or ‘the most dangerous woman in Britain’?
The creative team for the show also includes set and costume designer Peter Butler, lighting designer Malcolm Rippeth, sound designer Annie May Fletcher, and voice and dialect coach Liz Flint.
Director Sarah Frankcom said in a statement: “I’m thrilled that Sam is joining us on the journey of bringing Caroline Bird’s wonderful play to life. I can’t wait to see him get under the skin of its huge panoply of real and imagined characters including vicars, activists, barristers, chat show hosts, the odd prime minister and Kenny Everett – that all help tell the story of Mary Whitehouse, once dubbed the most dangerous woman in Britain.”
Recent Nottingham Playhouse successes include James Graham’s new drama Punch, which is transferring to the West End this September, playing the Apollo Theatre in London.
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