Michael Sheen will be doing a one-off performance on October 4 at @sohoplace, in London, where he will receive a script and play it with no previous preparation, rehearsal or direction. Some names like Catherine Tate, Alfred Enoch, Jonathan Pryce, Richard Gadd and Daisy Edgar Jones will also perform. More details below:
Nassim Soleimanpour’s White Rabbit Red Rabbit will make its West End debut at the newest West End venue @sohoplace from 1 to 19 October for a limited run of 24 performances.
The show, which has been performed over 3,000 times worldwide in more than 30 languages, challenges a performer to take the stage without preparation or direction, opening a sealed envelope to reveal the script for the first time.
The production will feature a rotating cast of performers, including Freema Agyeman, Olly Alexander, Keith Allen, Mathew Baynton, John Bishop, Alan Davies, Daisy Edgar Jones, Joe Dempsie, Omari Douglas, Alfred Enoch, Kate Fleetwood, Richard Gadd, Jill Halfpenny, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Jason Isaacs, Pearl Mackie, Nick Mohammed, Sally Phillips, Jonathan Pryce, Michael Sheen, Callum Scott Howells, Ben Bailey Smith, Tonia Sotiropoulou, and Catherine Tate. You can see the schedule of performances below.
White Rabbit Red Rabbit offers a unique experience each night, driven by the actor’s interpretation of the script. The play, which mixes elements of comedy and tragedy, has been described as a reflection on power dynamics, not just in contemporary Iran, but across the world.
First premiered in 2011 at the Edinburgh and SummerWorks festivals, the play has been performed by prominent figures in theatre and film, including Whoopi Goldberg, Nathan Lane, Stephen Rea, and Cynthia Nixon.
Soleimanpour said today: “It is personal but universal. Funny yet very political. And so timely for the world we live in. We are so excited to present it at this time and in such great company.”
The production is presented by Lambert Jackson and Nassim Soleimanpour Productions in association with Nica Burns. Tickets are on sale now here.
The schedule is as follows:
Tuesday 1 October (8.00pm) – Nick Mohammed
Wednesday 2 October (8.00pm) – Mathew Baynton
Thursday 3 October (8.00pm) – Jill Halfpenny
Friday 4 October (8.00pm) – Michael Sheen
Saturday 5 October (3.00pm) – Daisy Edgar Jones
Saturday 5 October (8.00pm) – Pearl Mackie
Sunday 6 October (2.00pm) – Ben Bailey Smith
Sunday 6 October (8.00pm) – Jason Isaacs
Tuesday 8 October (8.00pm) – Olly Alexander
Wednesday 9 October (8.00pm) – Kate Fleetwood
Thursday 10 October (8.00pm) – Alfred Enoch
Friday 11 October (8.00pm) – John Bishop
Saturday 12 October (3.00pm) – Tonia Sotiropoulou
Saturday 12 October (8.00pm) – Jonathan Pryce
Sunday 13 October (2.00pm) – Keith Allen
Sunday 13 October (6.00pm) – Richard Gadd
Monday 14 October (8.00pm) – Omari Douglas
Tuesday 15 October (8.00pm) – Alan Davies
Wednesday 16 October (8.00pm) – Sally Phillips
Thursday 17 October (8.00pm) – Catherine Tate
Friday 18 October (8.00pm) – Freema Agyeman
Saturday 19 October (2.00pm) – Julie Hesmondhalgh
Saturday 19 October (5.00pm) – Joe Dempsie
Saturday 19 October (8.00pm) – Callum Scott HowellsThe producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist at any performance, as this is subject to a variety of factors including illness, injury, or events beyond the producers’ control. No refunds or exchanges will be offered as a result of an artist’s unavailability to perform at any performance.