Hynes and Stirling will appear in the world premiere of Michael Wynne's The Priory, which begins performances Nov. 19 —prior to an official opening Nov. 26 — for a run to Jan. 9, 2010, in the mainhouse Jerwood Theatre Downstairs.
Wynne's play is described in press materials as a buoyant new comedy that "takes a microscope to modern dilemmas abut life, love and retro board games. In the play, Kate is delighted when she finds a country retreat that ticks all the boxes. Gathering together a select group of her closest friends to celebrate New Year's Eve, she is keen to start 2010 afresh. But successful, stressed-out thirtysomethings in search of a good time in the sticks can make for one very fearsome party — and some surprising resolutions."
The play is directed by Jeremy Herrin, designed by Robert Innes Hopkins, with lighting by Neil Austin, sound and music by Nick Powell and costumes by Robert Innes Hopkins and Iona Kenrick.
Ben Whishaw will appear in Cock, a new play by Mike Bartlett that begins performances in the Royal Court's Jerwood Theatre Upstairs Nov. 13 — prior to an official opening Nov. 18 — for a run through Dec. 19. According to press materials, Bartlett's play takes a "playful, candid look at one man's sexuality and the difficulties that arise when you realize you have a choice. When John takes a break from his boyfriend, he accidentally meets the girl of his dreams. Filled with guilt and indecision, he decides there is only one way to straighten this out."
The play is directed by James Macdonald, with design by Miriam Buether and lighting by Peter Mumford. Hynes has previously appeared at the Royal Court in The Night Heron, while her screen credits include "Shaun of the Dead," "Spaced" and "The Royle Family."
Stirling's theatre credits include Pygmalion (Peter Hall Company/international Tour), The Taming of the Shrew, Uncle Vanya (both Wilton's), Look Back in Anger (Theatre Royal, Bath) and Theatre of Blood (NT/Improbable). Her screen credits include "Tipping the Velvet" (BBC TV) and "The Young Victoria."
Whishaw's previous stage credits include …Some Trace of Her and The Seagull (both directed by Katie Mitchell at the National Theatre), Leaves of Glass (Soho), Mercury Fur (Paines Plough) and the title role in Trevor Nunn's production of Hamlet (Old Vic). His film credits include "Bright Star" (directed by Jane Campion), "Brideshead Revisited" (directed by Julian Jarrold) and "Perfume" (directed by Tom Tykwer), while his TV credits include "Criminal Justice" (BBC TV) and "Nathan Barley" (Talkback/Channel 4).
To book tickets contact the box office at 020 7565 5000 or visit www.royalcourttheatre.com.
