From April, the Royal Exchange Theatre will present the world premiere of a hard-hitting new play, The Rolling Stone. The play tells the story of Sam and Dembe, a young couple in love on what should be the happiest days of their lives – were they not gay and living in Uganda. The consequences of being found out could be explosive, especially for Dembe, whose preacher brother denounces homosexuality from the pulpit every week. Its cast includes Fiston Barek, Robert Gilbert and Donna Berlin. Playing alongside the current production of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, the play draws from the same creative team. Director Ellen McDougall is a seasoned veteran of the theatre, being nominated for an Olivier in 2010. Already a well-regarded script, The Rolling Stone won its writer Chris Urch the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting in 2013.

Tue 21 Apr – Fri 1 May, The Royal Exchange, St Anns Square, M2 7DH, Show times vary, £12 (£10 conc.), www.royalexchange.co.uk

Tue 21 Apr - Fri 1 May
Words:
A. James Simpkin
Published on:
Sun 26 Apr 2015