Death of England explained

Death of England is a trilogy of plays by Clint Dyer and Roy Williams.

It is made up of three plays (Michael, Delroy and Closing Time) and a film (Face to Face).

Death of England: Michael

Death of England: Michael
Date Of Premiere:31 January 2020
Original Language:English
Place:Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre, London
Genre:Drama

Death of England: Michael (originally Death of England) is the first part of the trilogy which opened at the National Theatre, London in the Dorfman Theatre beginning previews on 31 January, with a press night on 6 February, running until 7 March 2020. The production was directed by Clint Dyer and featured Rafe Spall as Michael.[1]

The playtext was released on 9 April 2020 by Methuen Drama.[2]

The play will be revived at @sohoplace in London's West End as part of the trilogy from 15 July to 28 September 2024 with Thomas Coombes as Michael.

Death of England: Delroy

Death of England: Delroy
Date Of Premiere:21 October 2020
Original Language:English
Place:Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, London
Genre:Drama

Death of England: Delroy is the second part of the trilogy and began previews on 21 October 2020, the play marked the re-opening of the National Theatre, London during the COVID-19 pandemic using social distancing measures in the Olivier Theatre. The production was again directed by Clint Dyer and featured Michael Balogun in the title role of Delroy (originally due to be played by Giles Terera who had to withdraw from the production in rehearsals due to undergoing emergency surgery.[3])

Despite initially being announced to run until 28 November 2020, the production was forced to close on 4 November 2020 (the production's press night) due to the Government advice of Coronavirus lockdown measures.[4] The play returned to the Olivier stage at the National Theatre in spring 2021 with Balogun reprising the role of Delroy.

The playtext was released on 21 October 2020 by Methuen Drama.[5]

The play will be revived at @sohoplace in London's West End as part of the trilogy from 15 July to 28 September 2024 with Paapa Essiedu as Delroy.

Death of England: Closing Time

Death of England: Closing Time
Date Of Premiere:18 September 2023
Original Language:English
Place:Dorfman Theatre, National Theatre, London
Genre:Drama

Death of England: Closing Time is the third and final chapter of the trilogy which opened in the Dorfman Theatre at the National Theatre, London on 18 September 2023 running until 11 November. It featured Jo Martin as Denise and Hayley Squires as Carly, however Martin had to withdraw from the production during the run. Sharon Duncan-Brewster took over in the role of Denise until closing.[6]

The play will be revived at @sohoplace in London's West End as part of the trilogy from 15 July to 28 September 2024 with Duncan-Brewster reprising the role of Denise with Erin Doherty as Carly.

Death of England: Face to Face (film)

Death of England: Face to Face is a 2021 film directed by Clint Dyer and features Giles Terera as Delroy and Neil Maskell as Michael.

References

  1. Web site: Shenton. Mark. 2020-02-07. Review - Death of England starring Rafe Spall at the National Theatre. 2020-11-14. London Theatre Guide. en.
  2. Web site: Bloomsbury.com. Death of England. 2020-11-14. Bloomsbury Publishing. en.
  3. Web site: 2020-10-05. Michael Balogun replaces Giles Terera in new National Theatre show. 2020-11-14. the Guardian. en.
  4. Web site: National Theatre confirms cancellation of Death Of England: Delroy from 5 November. 2020-11-14. Official London Theatre. en-GB.
  5. Web site: Bloomsbury.com. Death of England: Delroy. 2020-11-14. Bloomsbury Publishing. en.
  6. Web site: 2023-10-04 . Jo Martin withdraws from National Theatre's Death of England: Closing Time . 2024-05-17 . en-US.