Amid the vibrant, spirited community of a Cuban cigar factory, the senior roller proclaims a democracy and work goes to hell in The President of an Empty Room. There's Flamenco dancing, bursts of opera, quarrels, reconciliations, revelations and a bungled sexual encounter; but Miguel has lost his sweetheart to America. The production, directed by Howard Davies, will star Jim Carter, Paul Hilton, Fraser James, Inika Leigh Wright, Petra Letang, Stephen Moore, Lucian Msamati, Anthony O'Donnell and Tracey Saunders. It is scheduled to run at the Cottesloe Theatre from June 17 through August 27.
In Playing With Fire, running from September 12 through October 22 at the Olivier Theatre, racial tensions soar and good intentions have fatal consequences. When the District Council of Wyverdale fails to satisfy a government audit, New Labour high-flyer Alex is sent north from London to formulate a robust recovery plan. But websites, faith festivals and council leaflets in Bengali seem beside the point to the Labour old guard, struggling to provide the basics to an alienated and divided electorate. Michael Attenborough directs.
The season will also include previously planned productions of Theatre of Blood with Jim Broadbent, The House of Bernarda Alba, Henry IV Part 1 and Part 2 and The UN Inspector.