READING Repertory Theatre is ringing in the Spring with its latest production, Noël Coward’s Private Lives.
The show will see a number of debuts at the theatre from stars of stage and screen, including Christopher Bonwell, who starred in the West End productions of The Mousetrap and The Woman in Black, and marks his first run at the theatre as Elyot.
Emile John, best known for playing Ethan Anderson in ITV’s Emmerdale from 2021-2024, makes both his stage debut and Reading Rep debut in the role of the well-meaning yet hopelessly outmatched Victor.
They’ll be joined by Rose-anna Nicholson, a member of the Reading Rep Theatre Youth Ensemble for the past year, who makes her professional stage debut in the role of Louise.
Rounding out the cast is Amy Di Bartolomeo, Olivier Award nominated for her role as Emily Charlton in the original cast of The Devil Wears Prada, as Amanda; and Orla O’Sullivan, who returns to the theatre to play Amanda’s ‘ex- husbands-new-wife’, the superbly-organised Sybil.
The production also sees the return of director Matthew Forbes following his run at the helm of 2024’s Christmas show, The Snow Queen.
He returns in the wake of his work with the National Theatre production of War Horse, a West End and UK tour of Bad Jews, and a UK tour of The Entertainer.
Set and Costume design will come from Kevin Jenkins, with Elliot Griggs on lighting design, Raffaela Pancucci on sound design, fight and intimacy design by Yarit Dor, production management by Jordan Harris, casting by Jill Green Casting, costume supervision by Sheree Paton, stage management by Josette Shipp, and assistant stage management by Lucy Skinner.
Matthew Forbes said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with Emile as Victor and Christopher as Elyot. Both actors bring a wealth of experience from television and London’s West End, along with a depth, precision and charisma that make them a perfect fit for Coward’s world.
“Their understanding of rhythm, language, and emotional nuance will bring tremendous sophistication to these roles, and paired with our previously announced cast members Amy Di Bartolomeo and Orla O’Sullivan, our audiences will have a truly fabulous evening at the theatre.
“I’m equally proud that this production will mark the professional stage debut of a member of the Reading Rep Theatre Youth Ensemble.
He explained: “Offering the opportunity to step into a professional production, and to work alongside performers of genuine West End calibre, is incredibly exciting.
“Creating that bridge between emerging local talent and established industry professionals sits at the heart of what Reading Rep is about.
“It’s not only an invaluable experience for a young actor at the start of their career, but a powerful statement about nurturing the next generation of artists right here in our community.”
Noël Coward’s Private Lives is showing at Reading Rep from Thursday, April 16 to Saturday, May 9.
Full details and tickets available via: readingrep.com
