Tamara Harvey will direct the play, which follows the story of Andrea and her wife Caroline in their quest to have a child that shares both of their DNA, with the help of Andrea’s brother, JimmyIs.
Outhwaite, who plays Anthea, was last seen on the London stage in Raving and Di, Viv and Rose, both at Hampstead Theatre. Burns, who plays Jimmy, is best known for playing the title role in Channel 4's "Nathan Barley." Rooper who plays Jimmy’s girlfriend, Sharon, was last seen onstage in Blithe Spirit at the Gielgud Theatre opposite Angela Lansbury.
According to press materials, the play is inspired by Ockrent’s real-life experience and offers a new perspective on how and why we make babies.
In a press statement, Ockrent commented, "Some years ago, when a good friend asked me to donate my sperm for her and her girlfriend to conceive a child with, I was struck by the scale of the decision. Whilst I had every confidence in their ability to parent, it felt like there was an almost unfeasible amount riding on my answer. So, after they granted me some thinking time – years, as it turned out – it occurred to me that my wrangling could be an interesting set-up for a play. Discussing it with the couple over dinner, the story for Breeders (a quite different one to ours) emerged. Like this production, there’ll have to come a point when the curtain comes up on my personal answer to my friends’ request."
It is produced by Vicky Graham Productions. To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 264 2140, or visit www.www.stjamestheatre.co.uk .