Following a year of extraordinary challenge, and as British theatre begins to re-emerge from the devastating impact of the enforced shutdown, SFP announces a season of new plays for a new world. The RE:EMERGE season will create a space for vital, new voices and fresh talent in the West End, working alongside some of the industry’s greatest theatremakers and artists. The extraordinary collection of plays curated by SFP alongside Ian Rickson –  Artistic Director for the season - tackles urgent issues integral to rebuilding our society, including structural inequality, climate change and the economics of truth in an internet age. Supported by Arts Council England thanks to National Lottery funding, RE:EMERGE will celebrate and support the theatre-makers of the future, and provide vital work for the freelance community.

The RE:EMERGE season intends to open to socially-distanced audiences in May to help re-open and re-energise our theatres, and will be staged in a Covid safe environment following government advice and adhering to social distancing guidelines; and in line with Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre's See It Safely campaign.

WALDEN

After returning from a year-long Moon mission, Cassie, a NASA botanist, finds herself in a remote cabin in the woods, where her estranged twin sister, Stella, a former NASA architect, has found a new life with climate activist Bryan. Old wounds resurface as the sisters attempt to pick up the pieces of the rivalry that broke them apart.

WALDEN, a debut play by Amy Berryman, directed by Ian Rickson (Jerusalem, Uncle Vanya), will star Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace), Fehinti Balogun (Juliet, Naked) and Lydia Wilson (The Duchess of Malfi) at the Harold Pinter Theatre.

J’OUVERT

“What people you know can party through all of the earth’s elements?”

Carnival is here. The streets of Notting Hill are alive with history and amidst the soca, sequins, and endless feathers, Jade and Nadine are fighting for space in a world that should be theirs. A timely echo of Caribbean resistance across centuries, J’OUVERT is a joyful and fearless story of two best friends, battling to preserve tradition in a society where women’s bodies are frequently under threat.

J’OUVERT marks the debut play of James Tait Black Award-winner Yasmin Joseph and directorial debut of actor Rebekah Murrell (Nine Night), coming together with Annice Boparai (Trojan Horse), Gabrielle Brooks (Twelfth Night), Sapphire Joy (Our Country’s Good) and DJ Zuyane Russell to tell this epic story at the Harold Pinter Theatre.

ANNA X

Anna. 25. Curator. Retired intern. Previously @RAW magazine. I ♥ art, fashion, NYC.
Ariel. 32. CEO of @GenesisApp. A social and dating network by invitation only. SF-NYC-LDN.

Immersed in an addictive world of front-row fashion shows, private views, and endless parties, Anna and Ariel find themselves struggling to keep up with New York’s dazzling social elite. How far will two outsiders go to construct the identities they want? And at what price?

Golden Globe Award-winner Emma Corrin (Netflix’s The Crown) and Royal Television Society’s 2019 Breakthrough star Nabhaan Rizwan (Informer, BBC) make their West End debuts in this searing tale of self-invention, determination, and deceit. Inspired by real events, ANNA X is a new play by Joseph Charlton (Brilliant Jerks, Vaults Festival), directed by Daniel Raggett (The Human Voice, Gate Theatre), coming to the Harold Pinter Theatre.

A fictional imagining inspired by real life events.