Previously workshopped at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2011, Harmston – who also directs – commented in a statement, "We are so pleased to be opening The Prodigals at the Belgrade. It is the perfect theatre and audience for the piece and its record as the starting place for so much exciting work is building season by season. To have all the support of The Belgrade and now this incredibly talented cast led by Simon is the perfect start to this adventure. The show was very well received at The Edinburgh Festival and we hope this new and greatly developed version will inspire and challenge audiences even more."
The show, rooted in the biblical tale of The Prodigal Son, "follows the story of Colonel Luke Gibson, as he battles to balance his love for his two very different sons. One has been fighting for Queen and country in Afghanistan, whilst the other has hit rock bottom after touring the country with his drug fuelled band. The score features a range of eclectic, original songs with each character reflecting a particular style of music – from the high energy, electronic beats of Kyle's band, to the epic, rock ballads of his father, Colonel Gibson."
The cast also includes Greg Oliver as Kyle Gibson, Sam Ferriday as his brother Mike Gibson and Sarah Watson as Kyle’s band mate, Kelly Byrne. Supporting them is an ensemble of eight actors, dancers and musicians, including four previous cast members from the Edinburgh Festival workshop production, Sarah Wilkie Simeon John-Wake, Omari Bernard and Emma Franklin, newly joined by James William Marshall, Jamie Ray-Hartshorne, Melanie Brown and Louise Chapman.
Set design is by Sean Cavanagh, lighting design is by Ben Cracknell, sound design is by Ben Harrison and the musical supervisor is Matt Smith. Choreography is by Natalie Murdoch.
To book tickets, contact the box office on 024 7655 3055 or visit www.belgrade.co.uk for more details.