Florian Zeller’s ‘The Forest’ to receive world premiere at Hampstead Theatre

Three new plays have been announced at the Off-West End venue.

The Hampstead Theatre have revealed three world premiere plays to be staged at the north London venue next year. The trio of plays include new works by Florian Zeller, Alexis Zegerman and Roy Williams. 

Speaking about the new works, Hampstead Theatre's artistic director Roxana Silbert said: "I am delighted to be announcing three world premieres today for 2022... [I'm] deeply honoured that Florian has chosen Hampstead for his new play - the first to receive its world premiere outside of France."

The Forest is the newest play by the Academy Award-winning playwright Florian Zeller. The film adaptation of his play The Father won Best Adapted Screenplay at this year's Oscars. Christopher Hampton translates The Forest, which follows a man named Pierre who struggles with his morals at a turning point in his life. Jonathan Kent directs The Forest, with previews from 4 February, an opening night on 14 February and performances to 12 March.

The Forest cast includes Millie Brady, Silas Carson, Angel Coulby, Finbar Lynch, Paul McGann, Gina McKee, Sakuntala Ramanee, Toby Stephens, and Eddie Toll. The creative team includes design by Anna Fleischle, costume design by Jasmine Swan, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, and sound design by Isobel Waller-Bridge.

After The Forest, Alexis Zegerman's The Fever Syndrome will run at Hampstead Theatre from 18 March to 23 April, with an opening night on 28 March. Roxana Silbert will direct The Father Syndrome, a play that centres on the family of IVF doctor Richard Myers as they decide how his wealth and legacy will be inherited. 

Paulette Randall will then direct Roy Williams' The Fellowship, which rounds off the new trio of plays, with previews from 17 June, an opening night on 23 June and performances to 23 July. Based on the lives of the Windrush generation, The Fellowship sees sisters Dawn and Marcia Adams navigate an ever changing life in London from the 1980s to the present day. 

The Hampstead Theatre is currently home to 'Night Mother starring Stockard Channing. Next month, Peggy For You starring Tamsin Greig will begin performances and run to 29 January.