In the 240-seat main space The Large, former artistic director will return to direct Tanzi Libre, beginning performances May 15 prior to an official opening May 21, for a six-week run through June 22. This is a re-titled version of Claire Luckham's 1980 play Trafford Tanzi set in a wrestling ring that was originally produced in Liverpool and Manchester before coming to London's Mermaid Theatre with Toyah Wilcox in the title role. It was also subsequently produced on Broadway in 1983 as Teaneck Tanzi in a production that starred Blondie's Deborah Harry. Now set in a South London wrestling ring, Tanzi and her love interest, Dean Rebel, have more than just their titles to fight for when they're pitted against each other for the "fight of the decade." Following Tanzi's life from the moment she was born until she falls in love — discovering the realities of the wrestling world and inventing her signature move, the deadly Venus Flytrap — it is staged within a full-size professional wrestling ring complete with live DJ and an all-singing, all-wrestling cast. This production is called Tanzi Libre because it will incorporate the popular Mexican Lucha libre style of wrestling.

The new 120-seat studio space will open with the London premiere of the Fringe First Award-winning Edinburgh hit Juana in a Million, beginning performances May 22 prior to an official opening May 27 for a four-week run through June 15. Written and performed by emerging Mexican writer-performer Vicky Araico Casas, it is directed by Nir Paldi and has live music by Adam Pleeth. In the show, Casas brings a colorful cast of characters to life, lending immediacy to her own immigrant experience and that of many others.

To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 7407 0234, or visit www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk for more details.