Zadie Smith’s ‘The Wife of Willesden’ starring Clare Perkins sets full cast

The Chaucer adaptation returns to the Kiln Theatre.

Find out the full cast for The Wife of Willesden’s encore run this winter. The Wife of Willesden begins previews at the Kiln Theatre on 14 December, with an opening night on 20 December, to 11 Feb. 2023. Book The Wife of Willesden tickets on London Theatre.

As previously confirmed, Clare Perkins will reprise the role of Alvita. Marcus Adolphy, George Eggay, Andrew Frame, Troy Glasgow, Claudia Grant, Nikita Johal, Scott Mille, Jessica Murrain and Ellen Thomas complete the cast.

The Wife of Willesden is a modern-day adaptation of Chaucer's tale, The Wife of Bath. Zadie Smith relocates the story to a pub in north-west London, where pub local Alvita shares her stories to anyone who will listen.

In a 2021 The Wife of Willesden review for London Theatre, our critic said: “The show is hugely engaging as a song-and-dance ensemble piece, whether it's a twerking fest, group disco, or witty round-up of Greek myths… this is a welcome female showcase and a love letter to Smith's local community: vibrant, diverse and teeming with life.”

Indhu Rubasingham directs, with design by Robert Jones, lighting design by Guy Hoare, and composition and sound design by Ben and Max Ringham.

The Wife of Willesden is at the Kiln Theatre.

Book The Wife of Willesden tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: The Wife of Willesden (Photo by Michael Wharley)