CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE GREATEST WEALTH In celebration of the NHS
One Voice: Monologues funded by the TS Eliot Estate
Curated by Lolita Chakrabarti
Directed by Adrian Lester
The NHS from the 1940s-1970s: Monday 25 June, 8.30pm
The NHS from the 1980s-present: Tuesday 26 June, 8.30pm
The NHS from the 1940s-present (double bill): Friday 29 June, 8pm
‘No society can legitimately call itself civilised if a sick person is denied medical aid because of lack of means.’Aneurin Bevan
The Old Vic is pleased to announce casting for The Greatest Wealth, curated by Lolita Chakrabarti and directed by Adrian Lester to celebrate 70 years of the National Health Service.
Jade Anouka, Louise English, Dervla Kirwan, Ruth Madeley, Art Malik, Meera Syal, Sophie Stone andDavid Threlfall will perform monologues written by Moira Buffini, Lolita Chakrabarti, Seiriol Davies, Matilda Ibini, Courttia Newland, Meera Syal, Jack Thorne and Paul Unwin in response to each decade since Aneurin Bevan launched the NHS at Park Hospital, Manchester, on 5 July 1948. Each evening will also include music performed by Gloria Obianyo.
Lolita Chakrabarti said:
‘I am thrilled to be curating this One Voice for The Old Vic and delighted that so many talented and accomplished actors will be a part of it. To see how inventive but truthful each writer has been and then to realise their work with this calibre of actor is fantastic. This is going to be a very special event.’
The full line up is as follows:
1940s: Boo, by Jack Thorne, performed by Sophie Stone
1950s: At The Point of Need, by Paul Unwin, performed by David Threlfall1960s: Rivers, written and performed by Meera Syal
1970s: Sister Susan by Moira Buffini, performed by Dervla Kirwan
1980s: Speedy Gonzales by Lolita Chakrabarti, performed by Art Malik1990s: Family Room, by Courttia Newland, performed by Jade Anouka2000s: Choice & Control, by Matilda Ibini, performed by Ruth Madeley2010s: The Nuchess, by Seiriol Davies, performed by Louise English
This Old Vic commissioned set of world premiere monologues will salute and discuss the past, present and future of our NHS, an extraordinary institution that supports every single one of us. An absolute jewel in our crown.
PRESS RELEASE WED 13 JUN
In celebration of 70 years of the NHS The Old Vic is offering 70 tickets per performance priced at £5 for NHS workers to The Greatest Wealth (£10 for the Friday double bill).
The performances will be live sign language interpreted in British Sign Language (BSL).