Shakespeare’s Globe has announced today that its production of Morgan Lloyd Malcom’s EMILIA, wil transfer to the West End’s Vaudeville Theatre in March 2019.

EMILIA, directed by Nicole Charles, premiered at Shakespeare’s Globe in August 2018, opening to widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The play tells the story of Emilia Bassano, the alleged ‘Dark Lady’ from Shakespeare’s sonnets. Lloyd Malcom’s play explores her life as a teacher, mother, writer and poet.

The production features an all-female company which includes; Nadia Albina, Anna Andresen, Jackie Clune, Saffron Coomber, Jenni Maitland, Clare Perkins, Carolyn Pickles, Sarah Seggari, Sophie Stone, Charity Wakefield, Amanda Wilkin and Tanika Yearwood. Further casting for the West End transfer is to be announced.

Writer Lloyd Malcom said: ‘From the very start it’s felt like both a challenge and a privilege to tell this story. There was something in the air throughout creating this and I’m in no doubt that magic happened this summer. We could never have predicted the response we got and I am so happy and excited to be able to bring EMILIA back for more people to meet her’.

EMILIA was the first new play to be commissioned by artistic director Michelle Terry, who took on the role earlier this year. The West End transfer is brought to the Strand by an all-female producing team. Eleanor Lloyd, Nica Burns, Kate Pakenham, Eilene Davidson and Nimax Theatres present the new production at the Vaudeville.

Producer Nica Burns said: ‘EMILIA is a story for these times. There was feeling of utter excitement that this is a play that speaks directly to the audience and the audience respond back’. The play has its West End premiere on 8th March, which true to the spirit of this production is International Women’s Day.

EMILIA opens at London’s Vaudeville Theatre from 8th March and is booking until 15th June. Tickets are on sale now.