Lenny Henry to Lead West End Revival of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize Winner Fences

After an acclaimed run at Bath’s Theatre Royal and a subsequent U.K. tour, a revival of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Fences will transfer to London’s Duchess Theatre beginning June 19. Starring Lenny Henry and directed by Paulette Randall, the production will play through September 14, with an official opening night on June 26.

Although no additional casting has been announced, the Theatre Royal production starred Tanya Moodi, Colin McFarlane, Peter Bankole and Ashley Zhangazha.

Set between the Korean and Vietnam wars, Fences tells the story of Troy Maxson (Henry), a once gifted athlete denied his turn at the big time, who now struggles through daily life in Pittsburg. Resentful of a world he believes has denied him chances at every turn, he takes out his anger on his sports-obsessed son and loyal wife.

Fences originally premiered on Broadway in March 1987 at the 46th Street Theatre, starring James Earl Jones, Mary Alice, Frankie R. Faison and Courtney B. Vance. In addition to the 1987 Pulitzer Prize, Fences earned four Tony Awards, including Best Play. The play was revived in April 2010 at the Cort Theatre, starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis. The revival earned three Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Play.

An actor, comedian and TV personality, Henry’s London theater credits include Othello and The Comedy of Errors. His film credits include Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Lenny’s Britain, The Lenny Henry Show, The Pirates! Band of Misfits, Chef!, Big and Small, Bernard and the Genie and Hope & Glory. He is the co-founder of the British charity Comic Relief.