10.41°C Full casting has been announced for Sandi Toksvig’s hard-hitting drama Bully Boy, which plays at the Mercury Theatre this November.
Private Edward Clarke is every inch the hero to his mates in the Bully Boys, but inside he is shattered – haunted by one particular battle that has defined his life.
When Major Oscar Handley is called in to investigate the aftermath of a chaotic firefight, his enquiry exposes Eddie’s fragile mental health and an unexpected bond develops between the two men.
Private Edward Clarke will be played by Josh Collins, an emerging talent and recent graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Opposite him is Andrew French as Major Oscar Handley. Andrew’s theatre credits include Boi Boi is Dead at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, Julius Caesar with the RSC, and The Merchant of Venice at the Royal National Theatre.
Andrew said:
“I was really intrigued by the challenge of a two-hander. The demands, both physical and emotional, are, I think, something that all good actors look for. I found the themes of the play as relevant today as when it was written – perhaps more so.”
He added:
“I just loved the speeches that my character, Oscar, gets to play out. I’m a warfare buff and found that I share that interest with him.”
Bully Boy is directed by Dan Sherer, Artistic Director of the Colchester-based Real Circumstances Theatre Company. The production marks the beginning of Dan’s involvement with the Mercury Theatre in a year-long programme supporting new writing and talent development.
Dan said:
“Bully Boy is a disturbing and powerful play from Sandi Toksvig, the renowned writer and broadcaster. She exposes an unvarnished and brutal vision of war, and the devastating effects it has on those who are forced to undertake it.”
Winner of the Cameron Mackintosh Composer Scheme, Rebecca Applin will compose the music for Bully Boy as part of her year-long residency with the Mercury Theatre and the New Wolsey Theatre.
Bully Boy runs in the newly refurbished Studio at the Mercury Theatre from Thursday 5 to Saturday 21 November 2015. Tickets are £14.50.
For bookings, visit the Mercury Theatre website or call 01206 573948.
