World Premiere of Hymn, a new play by Lolita Chakrabarti, part of re-opening season at The Almeida Theatre

“Man, sometimes it takes a long time to sound like yourself” Miles Davis

Two men meet at a funeral.

Gil knew the deceased. Benny did not.

Before long their families are close.

Soon they’ll be singing the same tune.

Benny is a loner anchored by his wife and children. Gil longs to fulfil his potential. They form a deep bond but as cracks appear in their fragile lives they start to realise that true courage comes in different forms. 

Featuring music from Gil and Benny’s lives, Lolita Chakrabarti’s searching, soulful new play asks what it takes to be a good father, brother or son.

Directed by Blanche McIntyre (The Writer), Hymn features Adrian Lester (Red VelvetHustle) and Danny Sapani (Killing EveLes Blancs).

Lolita Chakrabarti is best known for her multi award-winning play Red Velvet and for adapting the Booker Prize winning Life of Pi for the stage, which premiered at the Sheffield Crucible to five-star reviews in 2019, has won eight major awards to date and will open at Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End in 2021.  Red Velvet originally opened at the Tricycle Theatre (now Kiln) in 2012, before transferring to New York and then returning to the West End, as part of Kenneth Branagh’s season at The Garrick Theatre. 

Hymn previews from 29th January, press night 4th February.

 

Leave a Reply