Opening at Curve, Leicester 19 – 21 February

Touring Midlands theatres until 8 March

The cast and creatives have today been announced for the touring production of THE KING STONE, a new play rooted in the landscapes and communities of the East Midlands.

The production will star Calum Lill (CORONATION STREET; HOLLYOAKS) as Phil and Charlotte East (HENRY V; PAKIT IN; TWELFTH NIGHT) as Kristen.

Developed with the support of the National Theatre’s Generate programme and Nottingham Playhouse, Mansfield Palace and Curve, THE KING STONE is Charlotte East’s debut play being directed by Hannah Stone (THE TRIALS; SHEWOLVES). Both East and Stone grew up in Derbyshire, giving the production a close personal connection to the area in which the play is set.

Charlotte East said:

“I started writing The King Stone four years ago and I’ve been incredibly lucky to have had such a supportive and creative team working on it with me. I’m thrilled to be able to finally introduce you to Kristen and Phil’s story.”

Set in the Derbyshire Peak District, the play takes place around The Nine Ladies stone circle. It follows Kristen and Phil, a mismatched couple forever in each other’s orbit throughout Scouts and school and the growing pains of adulthood. But as the bond between them is tested, this star-crossed pair struggle to stay connected and break free of others’ expectations.

Calum Lill said:

“I was so moved by Charlotte’s writing; I wanted to be involved straight away. It’s a beautiful working-class story that was an emotional rollercoaster just to read, so watching the play will be a treat! It’s not to be missed.”

The creative team includes Set and Costume Designer Hazel Low (Set and Costume Design), Lighting and Projection Designer Megan Lucas (Lighting and Projection Design), Composer and Sound Designer Ellie Isherwood and Movement Director AK Golding.

Director Hannah Stone said:

“As soon as I read this play I was drawn into its complex characters and beautiful imagery. I am from the area where the play is set and I really relate to the push and pull of home; Charlotte has written a powerful play that I believe people in the Midlands will really connect to”

This world premiere production of THE KING STONE opens at Leicester Curve on 19 February, before a limited tour visiting towns and venues closely connected to the world of the play, including Stafford’s Gatehouse Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse, Chesterfield Rose Theatre and Derby Theatre.

Blending intimate storytelling with an ancient sense of place, The King Stone is a tender exploration of home, mental health, and the first love that haunts.

The King Stone is being produced by ADMA Productions and is funded by Arts Council England, National Lottery Awards for All, Derby Council and Unity Theatre Trust.

The tour of THE KING STONE opens at Curve 19 to 21 February. Tickets are on sale now. To find out more and book, visit www.curveonline.co.uk, call 0116 242 3595 or visit Curve’s Box Office

Tour Dates

19 – 21 February Leicester Curve Theatre, Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1SB https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/the-king-stone/

23 – 24 February Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Eastgate Street, Stafford, ST16 2LThttps://www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/the-king-stone/

26 – 28 February Nottingham Nottingham Playhouse, Wellington Circus NG1 5AFhttps://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/the-king-stone/

3 – 4 March London Bridewell TheatreSt Bride Foundation, Bride Lane, Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 8EQwww.sbf.org.uk

6 March Chesterfield Rose Theatre, Chesterfield, S40 1LWhttps://www.chesterfieldstudios.co.uk/what-s-on

8 March Derby Normanton Library Theatre, Normanton, Almond St, Derby DE23 6LXhttps://derbytheatre.co.uk/event/the-king-stone/

Title: THE KING STONE

Running Time:85 mins

Dates:Various between Thurs 19th Feb – Sun 8th March

Age Guidance:14+Content Advisories: Some strong language, flashing lights, haze, themes of grief, reference to death by suicide, reference to sexual assault.

Credits

CastCalum Lill (he/him)Charlotte East (she/her)

Creative TeamPlaywright–Charlotte East (she/her)Director – Hannah Stone (she/her)Set and Costume Designer – Hazel Low (they/them)Design Associate – Gemma Caseley-Kirk (she/her)Composition and Sound Designer – Ellie Isherwood (she/her)Lighting and Projection Designer – Megan Lucas (she/her)Movement Director – AK Golding (they/them) Dramaturg – Craig Gilbert (he/him)

Production Team Senior Producer – ADMA ProductionsAssociate Producer – Evie Osbon (they/them)Associate Producer – Ione Vaughn (she/her)Production Manager –Lewis Moore (he/him)Stage Manager – Louise Pearson (she/her)Technical Stage Manager – Matthew Parker (he/him)Graphic Designer – Madison Coby & Jack Crossing