The Understudy is a brand new radio play that will be broadcast in two parts on Wednesday 20th May and Wednesday 27th May 2020 – the reason? To raise funds for the theatre industry which is facing a devastating impact from the Covid-19 health crisis. The Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield will split proceeds of this project with charities including the Theatre Development Trust (SOLT and UK Theatre), Acting for Others and Equity Charitable Trust.
There is a magnificent line-up of actors performing in the play including Stephen Fry, Emily Atack, Sheila Atim, Layton Williams, Russell Tovey, Sarah Hadland, Mina Anwar and many more. The cast and creative team involved took part completely in isolation and actors recorded at home – an exceptional sound design team bringing the whole thing to life.
Top: Stephen Fry, Mina Anwar, Layton Williams, Emily Atack
Bottom: Russell Tovey, Sarah Hadland, Sheila Atim
Based on the bittersweet novel by the best-selling author David Nicholls (Starter For Ten), The Understudy tells the story of Stephen McQueen, an underdog – a failed husband, a failing father, a failing actor, and the impossible choice he’s going to have to make between stealing the show and stealing another man’s wife. Directed by Giles Croft, this is a stage adaptation written by Henry Filloux-Bennett that was originally commissioned by The Lowry Theatre in Salford. The sound, music and effects will be brought to life by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, Annie May Fletcher and Sophie Galpin.
To tune in to listen to The Understudy a £5.00 ticket must be bought, all proceeds going to help individuals and organisations struggling because of Coronavirus, from www.understudyplay.com where you can choose just to listen to it or watch it! It is part radio play and part animated film.
Producer Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield with support from Anthology Theatre
Writer Henry Filloux-Bennett
Based on The Understudy by David Nicholls
Director Giles Croft
Sound & Music Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, Annie May Fletcher and Sophie Galpin
Running Time 2 hours 5 mins (in total)
Tickets www.understudyplay.com
Twitter @theLBT, @ActingForOthers