Derry Girls and Line of Duty stars to perform in play at Coventry theatre

[dutchman]

Consumed will enjoy a run at the Belgrade Theatre next week



Actors from some of the biggest shows on British television are set to tread the famous boards at Coventry's Belgrade Theatre this week. Consumed, by Karis Kelly, has been described as a "pitch-black and twisted comedy" about a "90th birthday party that no-one seems to want".

The highly anticipated production includes a cast featuring both respected and consistent actors, as well as newcomers. Julia Dearden, who starred in Channel 4 smash Derry Girls and Ricky Gervais dramedy After Life will be joined by fellow Derry Girls alumni Caoimhe Farren.

Andrea Irvine, who has credits which include Blue Lights and Line of Duty is joined by Muireann Ní Fhaogáin, who makes her professional stage debut and makes up the main cast.

The four will perform in a production about a Northern Irish family, taking in dysfunctional family dynamics, generational trauma and national boundaries.

Belgrade Theatre Artistic Director Corey Campbell said, “At the Belgrade, we are passionate about championing new voices and new writing that speaks directly to our communities. Consumed is a brilliant show and a project we are delighted to be involved with. We cannot wait for everyone to experience it.”

Playwright Karis Kelly added: “I am absolutely delighted to be working with such an incredible creative team. For me, to be working with a full Irish cast, rehearsing at the London Irish Centre (where I attended many cultural events growing up) is a full circle, dream come true moment.

"I was lucky enough to be in the auditions, and I was absolutely blown away by their talent. I cannot wait to get into the room and work with Katie and the whole team, and watch this play come to life!"

Director Katie Posner said “I am beyond excited to be directing this incredible cast and team for the world premiere of Consumed. From the first moment I read it for the Women’s Prize for Playwriting, Consumed gripped me completely.

"It’s Granny Eileen’s 90th birthday party, and as the family reunion unravels, the story peels back the wallpaper to reveal the tensions between four generations of northern Irish women, speaking to the silences and secrets passed through them all. Karis invites us into a world that feels disturbingly, viscerally, hilariously familiar... especially to anyone who’s been shushed at the family dinner!"

Consumed will run at the Belgrade from Wednesday 3 September until Saturday 6 September.