And if the world premiere production of Leave to Remain – running from 18 January to 16 February 2019 – isn’t enough to get excited about, you could also check out the details of the show’s soundtrack, performed by Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke, which will be released on press night…
Leave to Remain is written by Matt Jones (Doctor Who, Mr Selfridge), with music by Kele Okereke and directed by Robby Graham (artistic director of Southpaw Dance Company and choreographer of the National Theatre’s production of Angels in America).
Obi and Alex are a young gay couple leading busy London lives. When Alex’s visa comes into question, their relationship takes a turn. Marriage is an option, but the timing isn’t perfect, and it means confronting their families and their pasts. Told through a blend of movement, drama and 14 original new tracks, Leave to Remain is a tender portrait of love in the face of an uncertain future.
As previously announced, Tyrone Huntley will play the role of Obi; his previous theatre credits include the much-applauded role of Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) for which he was nominated for the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Joining him as Obi’s partner, Alex, is Billy Cullum. His many theatre credits include the West End productions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda the Musical, and most recently the critically-acclaimed Little Shop of Horrors (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre).
The role of Diane is played by Emma Amos who has worked extensively in theatre, television and film, theatre credits include The Lady in the Van (Theatre Royal Bath) and Sweet Bird of the South (Chichester Festival Theatre). Playing Chichi is Aretha Ayeh, who was recently part of the Royal Shakespeare Company season including new musical Miss Littlewood, The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich and The Duchess of Malfi.
Rakie Ayola joins the company to play Grace. Rakie is best known for her role in BBC’s Holby City, more recently she took over the role of Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Sandy Batchelor joins to play Raymond. Sandy recently appeared in the ATG UK tour of Strangers on a Train. Playing Damien is Arun Blair-Mangat, his credits for the National Theatre include Angels in America, Wig Out and he was in the original West End cast of Kinky Boots.
Cornell S. John plays Kenneth. Cornell played Mufasa in the original West End cast of The Lion King and appears in the film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
