CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT
THE GLASS MENAGERIE
The Royal Exchange Theatre is thrilled to announce the cast for their summer production of Tennessee Williams’ autobiographical classic THE GLASS MENAGERIE. Award-winning director Atri Banerjee has assembled a stunning cast giving a fresh perspective to this iconic memory play. Geraldine Somerville takes on the role of Amanda Wingfield having made her Royal Exchange debut as Laura Wingfield in 1989. She is joined on stage by Joshua James (Tom Wingfield), Oseloka Obi (Jim O’Connor) and Rhiannon Clements as Laura who returns following her role in the Exchange’s current production WUTHERING HEIGHTS.
THE GLASS MENAGERIE is Tennessee Williams’ poetic and bruising portrayal of a family on the brink of change. Tom remembers; he recalls his mother Amanda, his sister Laura, their suffocating dependency and the overwhelming responsibility of family ties that bind you for life. But memory is fragile, and the clarity of truth and recollection is clouded over time. Created for the Exchange’s unique in-the-round theatre, this intimate play tackles questions that resonate across the globe. THE GLASS MENAGERIE can be seen in the Theatre from 5 June – 4 July.
Geraldine Somerville is an acclaimed stage and screen actor. Her career includes iconic film, television and stage roles such as Lily Potter in the Harry Potter franchise and DS Jane Penhaligon in the celebrated ITV series CRACKER for which she was nominated for a BAFTA. Her recent film credits include THE GENTLEMEN (Miramax), GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (DJ Films) and THE HIPPOPOTAMUS (The Electric Shadow Co.). Television credits include KISS ME FIRST (Netflix), PRIME SUSPECT 1973 (ITV) and SILENT WITNESS (BBC). As a stage actor she has worked at the National Theatre, the Royal Court and the Donmar Warehouse, credits include SERANADING LOUIE (Donmar), POWER and REMEMBER THIS (National Theatre)
Joshua James makes his Royal Exchange debut as Tom. His recent theatre credits include: WIFE (Kiln), LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN (Vaudeville Theatre), KING LEAR (Shakespeare’s Globe), LIFE OF GALILEO (Young Vic), PLATONOV/THE SEAGULL, HERE WE GO, LIGHT SHINING IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, TREASURE ISLAND (National Theatre), FATHERS AND SONS (Donmar Warehouse) and BRING UP THE BODIES/WOLF HALL (Royal Shakespeare Company). TV credits include I HATE SUZIE (Sky/Bad Wolf) INDUSTRY (HBO/Bad Wolf), LIFE (BBC/Drama Republic), RAISED BY WOLVES (TNT/Scott Free) and BLACK MIRROR (Netflix). Film credits include, DARKEST HOUR (Working Title) and CRIMINAL (Millennium Films).
Rhiannon Clements is a recent graduate from ALRA North and returns to the Royal Exchange following her recent role in WUTHERING HEIGHTS. Her other credits include: THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (Stafford Gatehouse Theatre). Film credits include: DEATH ON THE NILE (directed by Kenneth Branagh). Television credits include: THE OTHER ONE (BBC). Rhiannon won the 2019 Spotlight Prize for Best Stage Actor.
Oseloka Obi studied at the National Youth Theatre and makes his first appearance on the Exchange’s iconic stage. His recent theatre credits include END OF EDDY (Unicorn Theatre/BAM), ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI (Nottingham Playhouse), THE SON (Kiln Theatre), TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, (Lyric Hammersmith), MACBETH (Garrick Theatre), VICTORIA’S KNICKERS (Soho Theatre) and TIMBUKTU (Theatre Royal Stratford East).
Director Atri Banerjee trained at Birkbeck and was previously Trainee Director at the Royal Exchange Theatre. His directing credits include: UTOPIA & HOBSON’S CHOICE (Royal Exchange). For Hobson’s Choice, Atri was awarded The Stage Debut Award 2019 for Best Director and was nominated for the UK Theatre Award 2019 for Best Director. Associate/assistant director credits for the Royal Exchange include: WEST SIDE STORY; THE MYSTERIES (also tour); JUBILEE (also Lyric Hammersmith); HAPPY DAYS; THE ALMIGHTY SOMETIMES; OUR TOWN. Other associate/assistant director credits include: THE NICO PROJECT (Manchester International Festival/ Melbourne International Arts Festival); THE SON (Kiln Theatre).
The creative team for THE GLASS MENAGERIE includes Designer Rosanna Vize, Sound Designer Ben & Max Ringham, Lighting Designer Lee Curran, Movement Jenny Ogilvie and Assistant Director Hannah Sands.