Jamie Lloyd to direct Uzo Aduba, Zawe Ashton and Laura Carmichael in The Maids

Double Emmy Award winner Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black), Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat, Not Safe For Work) and Laura Carmichael (Downton Abbey) will star in Jean Genet’s masterpiece
UK premiere of Benedict Andrews and Andrew Upton’s contemporary version of The Maids
From 20th February 2016 at Trafalgar Studios, London
Press previews from 25th February 2016 with Gala Night 29th February 2016
Tickets on sale at 10am on Tuesday 10th November

The Jamie Lloyd Company’s first production of 2016 will be the full-throttle UK premiere of a contemporary adaptation of Jean Genet’s powerful psycho-drama, The Maids, with an all-star cast – Uzo Aduba, Zawe Ashton and Laura Carmichael.

In a luxurious bedroom, two maids fantasise about killing their employer, playing out dangerous and sadistic scenarios as they plan her violent death.

An intense psychological thriller seething with unique theatricality and brimming with intrigue,The Maids is a vicious analysis of the class system, and a provocative exploration of gender and sexuality.

Uzo Aduba and Zawe Ashton will play the maids, Solange and Claire. Laura Carmichael will play Madam.

The production will be designed by Soutra Gilmour.

This translation, by Benedict Andrews and Andrew Upton, was first performed at Sydney Theatre Company in 2014. This will be the first time it has been seen in the UK.

The Jamie Lloyd Company’s 50th anniversary production of The Homecoming, starring Keith Allen, Gemma Chan, Ron Cook, Gary Kemp, John Macmillian and John Simm, opens at the Trafalgar Studios on 14th November. Lloyd was this week nominated for the Evening Standard’s Milton Shulman Award for Best Director for Assassins at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

Uzo Aduba said, ‘I wanted to be a part of The Jamie Lloyd Company because they’re interested in doing exciting work that is new, with a twist to it. It’s work with a fresh edge. Jamie reinvents classic plays in a way that we’ve never seen before or have explored before. That’s exciting as an actor. To be part of a play that allows for three women to mine such complex characters inside of an already rich and thrilling story, is the stuff that acting dreams are made on’

Zawe Ashton said, ‘Being a part of The Jamie Lloyd Company is an opportunity I’ve been coveting for a long time! Jamie and I are reuniting on this production, having worked together on Headlong’s production of Salome, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I’ve always been so excited by his vision as a director and to not only be collaborating with him but with two exquisite actors like Uzo and Laura on this fresh take on a classic text, is very juicy indeed. The Maids is one of my favourite ever plays and Jamie is one of my very favourite directors to work with. He’s assembled such a dynamic company in every aspect and I know we all feel very excited about this unique material continuing to widen the reach the Trafalgar has when it comes to bringing a diverse and dynamic audience in through its doors.’

Laura Carmichael said, ‘I’m really looking forward to working on The Maids. Jamie is such an exciting director. I love the way he tackles these classic plays. He has a clear vision and a passion to attract young audiences that I think is really cool. I’m also a big fan of Uzo and Zawe so am really excited to be working them.’

As with The Jamie Lloyd Company’s previous productions, all tickets for Monday performances will be £15. Half of these will be made available through a special outreach scheme, targeted at schools and first-time theatregoers. The other half will be released monthly to the public on the first day of each month, and will be available online or at the Trafalgar Studios box office.

LISTINGS

THE MAIDS
A THE JAMIE LLOYD COMPANY PRODUCTION
FROM 20TH FEBRUARY 2016

For priority information and seat releases follow us on:
Twitter @JamieLloydCo
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ON SALE TO ATG THEATRECARD HOLDERS ON FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER FROM 10AM AND GENERAL ON SALE ON TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER FROM 10AM

Performances: Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm
Thursday & Saturday at 2.30pm

THE MAIDS
Press previews from 25 Feb and Gala Night on 29 Feb at 7.00pm
Ticket prices: £15 all tickets on Mondays
£29.50, £39.50, £52.50

Premium Seats Available

All tickets will be £15 on Mondays. Half of these will be made available through a special outreach scheme, targeted towards schools and first-time theatregoers. The other half will be released monthly to the public on the first day of each month and will be available online or at Trafalgar Studios box office.

Address: Trafalgar Studios, 14 Whitehall,
Westminster, SW1A 2DY
Box Office:                                            0844 871 7632
Website:                                                thejamielloydcompany.com
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Twitter                                                  @JamieLloydCo
@UzoAduba
@ZaweAshton
@Carmichelle