Performances will begin at Kilburn's Tricycle Theatre Aug. 4 prior to an official opening Aug. 6, for a run to Aug. 29.
The play is set during one week in July 2005, capturing Britain as it crashes from the buzz of Live 8 (the wordwide pop benefit concerts that preceded that year's G8 Conference in Scotland) and the euphoria and promise of the 2012 Olympics announcement that saw London named the host city for that year's festivities, into the devastation of 7/7 (the terrorist bomb attacks on the London underground and bus network on that day).
According to press materials, six short stories interweave, each telling a story of transgression. A bigoted schoolboy has dangerous fantasies about his teacher, a brother and sister get too close for comfort, a divorced professor invites a former student home, a disaffected office worker finds the pressure she is under too much to bear, and a lonely old lady is left to muse wryly on the state of society. Meanwhile a young man makes a final journey to London from Leeds.
Co-produced by Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the Traverse Theatre Company, the play is directed by Sean Holmes, who has recently taken over as artistic director of the Lyric Hammersmith, where his opening season will be launched with the world premiere of Punk Rock. Stephens also has another new play, Sea Wall, premiering at Edinburgh's Traverse Theatre this August. His other plays include Harper Regan (National Theatre), Motortown (Royal Court), On The Shore of the Wide World (Royal Exchange, Manchester and National Theatre – Olivier Award Best New Play) and Canopy of Stars (Seen as part of the Tricycle's Afghanistan Season).
The cast includes Frances Ashman, Sheila Reid, Billy Seymour and Sam Spruell, who all appeared in the 2008 premiere. They will be joined by Anthony Walsh and Kirsty Bushell, with the rest of the cast to be confirmed at a later date. Set design is by Paul Wills, with lighting by Chris Davey and sound by Emma Laxton. Following its London run, Pornography will also play a run at the Theatre Royal, Bath from Sept. 7-12.
To book tickets for the Tricycle, contact the box office at 020 7328 1000 or visit www.tricycle.co.uk for more details.
