The Hampstead Theatre has announced casting for its upcoming run of Martyna Majok’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama COST OF LIVING.
Adrian Lester will make his Hampstead Theatre debut in the piece, returning to stage for the first time in three years. Lester is best known for his role in long-running TV drama Hustle. His most recent stage credits include RED VELVET at the Tricycle Theatre and West End, and the title role in OTHELLO at the National Theatre.
Lester said: ‘There is a lot to get right but it is just a fantastic piece. I knew nothing about it, my agent sent it to me and said this is for Hampstead, a place I’ve never worked, and I started reading it and I got hooked. It surprised me and it twists and turns and it’s about people who are trying to make their way in life’.
Lester is joined in the cast by Kati Sullivan, who originated the role in the Off-Broadway production. The pair are joined by Jack Hunter and Emily Barber.
Martyna Majok’s COST OF LIVING premiered at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts before transferring Off-Broadway to New York City Center. In addition to winning the coveted Pulitzer Prize for Drama that year, it also won two Lucille Lortel Awards in 2018.
Playing on the Main Stage and directed by AD Edward Hall, the play follows John, a PhD student with cerebral palsy who hires Jess, a recent graduate, as his new carer. Meanwhile, truck driver Eddie attempts to support and re-engage with his estranged wife, Ani, following an accident that has left her quadriplegic. COST OF LIVING marks the 100th premiere at Hampstead since Edward Hall and Greg Ripley-Duggan took over the venue in 2010. The piece runs from 24th January.
COST OF LIVING runs at London’s Hampstead Theatre from 24th January to 2nd March. Tickets are on sale now.
