Paterson Joseph and Sophie Melville are set to star in two solo shows as the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre announces it will reopen in early 2021.
Melville will reprise her role in Gary Owen’s critically acclaimed Iphigenia in Splott, having first played the part in 2016, when she was nominated for an Evening Standard Theatre Award. Artistic director Rachel O’Riordan will direct the show which runs from January 22-February 13.
Joseph will star in and direct his own play, Sancho: An Act of Remembrance, co-directed with Simon Godwin, which is based on the true life story of Charles Ignatius Sancho, who was born on a slave ship and went onto become a composer, actor, anti-slavery campaigner and the first Black person of African origin to vote in Britain. It will run from February 25-March 20.
O’Riordan said: "I am delighted that we can today announce shows for our audiences, returning to do what we do best, producing great work with great artists, in our beautiful theatre. Iphigenia in Splott and Sancho tell the stories of two vastly different people from very different times, circumstances and places. They have nothing in common; but both protagonists make life-changing choices.
"They both, within the structure of the society they live in, make decisions that matter. Sophie Melville and Paterson Joseph are two of the UK's most exhilarating actors, and I am thrilled they are performing at the Lyric for the first time."
The Lyric has also unveiled plans for a large production, which will celebrate the local community and be led by a group of 15 young people.
The theatre’s crowdfunding campaign is still ongoing, and is currently at just over half of its target of £50,000. You can contribute to the Crowdfunder here.
