Last Updated on 30 January 2022 by Showcall Editorial Team
Francesca Carpanini and Sam Frenchum will star in the revival of David Mamet’s 1977 play, The Woods, at Southwark Playhouse in London
David Mamet’s “battle of the sexes” play, The Woods, is to have its first UK revival for over 25 years in a new production at Southwark Playhouse in London.
Francesca Carpanini and Sam Frenchum will star as a couple who push their relationship to breaking point in a night of stories and fights while spending the weekend at a remote cabin in the woods.
Originally staged in 1977, The Woods is being brought back to the UK stage by director Russell Bolam for a run at Southwark Playhouse from 24 February to 26 March 2022, with press night on 1 March.
Carpanini, who was born in England but grew up in the US, is making her UK debut in The Woods. Her Broadway roles include Ann Deever in Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of All My Sons alongside Annette Bening and Tracy Letts. She made her Broadway debut in the Tony-nominated revival of The Little Foxes with Laura Linney and Cynthia Nixon.
Alongside a stage career, Frenchum has been a series regular in Grantchester and will play Kate Sharma’s love interest, Mr Dorset, in the second series of Bridgerton released on 25 March.
The Woods reunites Bolam with producer Danielle Tarento and set and costume designer Anthony Lamble after they worked together on Anya Reiss’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Three Sisters at Southwark Playhouse.
The creative team also includes lighting designer Bethany Gupwell, sound consultant Ali Taie and fight/intimacy co-ordinator Haruka Kuroda.
The Woods received its UK premiere at London’s Finborough Theatre in 1996 with Emma Bird and Peter Polycarpou. It was originally staged in Chicago in 1977 starring Patti LuPone and Peter Weller.
