It’s been announced that a new revival of David Hare’s THE BAY AT NICE will play at Southwark’s Menier Chocolate Factory from March 2019.

Richard Eyre directs the new production that will star Penelope Wilton, Ophelia Lovibond, David Rintoul and Martin Hutson. David Hare’s play originally premiered at the National Theatre in 1986, with the new production at the Menier being its first professional London revival.

THE BAY AT NICE is set in 1956 Leningrad, where Valentina Nrovka has been invited to offer opinion on the authenticity of a Matisse painting, an artist she knew personally. Her daughter Sophia, also an artist, meets her there. The story focuses on a clash of ideals and responsibilities.

Wilton leads the cast as Valentina Nrovka. The actress is known for her screen roles in Ever Decreasing Circles, Downtown Abbey and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. On stage, Wilton has been nominated for six Olivier Awards with leading roles in MAN AND SUPERMAN, THE DEEP BLUE SEA and THE CHALK GARDEN. In 2015, she won the Olivier Award for Best Actress for her role in TAKEN AT MIDNIGHT. Wilton last appeared on stage at The Old Vic last year in FANNY AND ALEXANDER.

Wilton is joined by Ophelia Lovibond as Sophia Nrovka. Lovibond’s stage credits include NIGHTFALL at the Bridge Theatre and THE LIBERTINE at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Martin Huston recently appeared in JULIUS CAESAR and TITUS ANDRONICUS at the RSC whilst David Rintoul’s latest stage credits include MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING at Rose Theatre, Kingston and HAMLET at the Almeida and West End.

Former National Theatre artistic director Richard Eyre directs the piece with set and costume design by Fotini Dimou, lighting by Paul Pyant and sound by Gregory Clarke.

THE BAY AT NICE previews at the Menier Chocolate Factory from 14th March with opening night set for 19th March. It will run to 4th May. Tickets go on sale from 28th January.