It will continue to play in the Cottesloe through March 31, before resuming performances in the Olivier from April 30. Alex Jennings and Simon Russell Beale will reprise their performances as playwright Mikhail Bulgakov and Joseph Stalin. Original cast members also continuing are Sarah Annis, Marcus Cunningham, Jacqueline Defferary, Patrick Godfrey, Michael Jenn, Jess Murphy, William Postlethwaite, Pierce Reid, Nick Sampson, Maggie Service and Perri Snowdon. The production is designed by Bob Crowley, with lighting by Jon Clark, music by George Fenton, sound by Paul Arditti, fight direction by Terry King and movement by Jack Murphy; with thanks to Simon Sebag Montefiore.
Set in Moscow in 1938, the play is inspired by historical fact. Playwright Mikhail Bulgakov, living among dissidents and stalked by secret police, is offered a poisoned chalice: a commission to write a play about Stalin to celebrate his sixtieth birthday. According to press materials, Collaborators "embarks on a surreal journey into the fevered imagination of the writer as he loses himself in a macabre and disturbingly funny relationship with the omnipotent subject of his drama."
For more information call the box office on 020 7452 3000, or visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk.