The Bristol Old Vic has announced the full cast and creative team for the venue’s upcoming production of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s Tony-nominated Choir Boy, running from 12 October to 11 November 2023.
Directed by the Bristol Old Vic’s new artistic director Nancy Medina, the first major UK revival of the gospel-flavoured coming-of-age story will star Terique Jarrett (Motown The Musical, West End debut, Our Town, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) as the central character Pharus. He will be joined by Jyuddah Jaymes (Romeo and Juliet, Almeida Theatre, Twelfth Night, Young Vic), Michael Ahomka-Lindsay (Newsies, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, Legally Blonde, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) and Khalid Daley (Hamilton, Victoria Palace, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, UK and tour), with recent LAMDA graduate Alistair Nwachukwu making his professional stage debut in the production.
The cast is completed by Daon Broni (Macbeth, Royal Exchange Manchester, The Observer, National Theatre) and Martin Turner (Anything Goes, Martin Guerre, both at the Prince Edward Theatre).
Commenting on the cast and the production, Medina said: “At every step of putting our production of Choir Boy together, there’s been a palpable feeling of joy and giddiness – because it offers such rich, three-dimensional characters for young Black men to perform. It provides what is still a rare opportunity to delve deep into gorgeous characters and explore their honest relationships through really well-crafted storytelling.
“Tarell Alvin McCraney’s script never skips a beat, getting to the essence of what human connection means. I’ve known this play for a few years and during that time society has shifted the conversation about identity, equity and social justice on quite significantly. Woven through this joyous play, current conversations take on new meaning, as our tremendously talented cast and creative team bring it to life, I hope Bristol audiences fall in love with Choir Boy as much as I have.”
Part of Medina’s inaugural season as artistic director of the Bristol Old Vic, the creative team for the production will also include designer Max Johns, lighting designer Simisola Majekodunmi, musical director and arranger Femi Temowo, sound designer Doanto Wharton, movement director and intimacy co-ordinator Ingrid Mackinnon, voice and dialect coach Aundrea Fudge, casting director Julia Horan, fight director Kev McCurdy, associate director Tatenda Shamiso and costume supervisor and hair consultant Sophia Khan.
Commenting on the production, Bristol Old Vic’s executive director Charlotte Geeves said: “The first production from a new artistic director is a really special moment for any theatre. The response to Nancy’s first season – from new and existing audiences – has been generous, warm and welcoming, marking the beginning of a bright and transformational future for Bristol Old Vic. I know we are in for a treat this autumn with Choir Boy as Nancy brings her infectious enthusiasm, energy and heart into the centre of this beautiful theatre to make it really sing. And we’re inviting you all to be part of that moment with us.”
An Oscar-winner for his screen adaptation of his play Moonlight, McCraney’s Choir Boy premiered at London’s Royal Court Theatre in 2012 and debuted on Broadway in 2018.
Angela Thomas
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