York Theatre Royal today announces Amelia Bullmore will return to the stage to star as Penelope in the major UK revival of Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad, directed by the company’s Creative Director Juliet Forster. Bullmore last appeared on the stage in the critically acclaimed UK revival of Circle Mirror Transformation at HOME Manchester in 2018. Also announced today, the production extends its run until 31 October.
Adapted from Margaret Atwood’s critically acclaimed novella of the same name, The Penelopiad is an exuberant feminist retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey giving voice to the silenced Penelope and her chorus of maids.
Amelia Bullmore today said, “I’m thrilled I’m going to be working at York Theatre Royal – such a beautiful theatre – on this fantastic play. The Penelopiad manages to be funny, dark, moving and provocative by turns. And it’s Margaret Atwood so the writing is uniquely brilliant. I think audiences will love how playful it is and how directly it connects with them.”
Juliet Forster, Creative Director at York Theatre Royal said, “It is wonderful to have Amelia on board to lead the cast for The Penelopiad. Penelope is such a fascinating and complex character in Margaret Atwood’s retelling and I know Amelia will do her justice! I can’t wait to work with her to bring this compelling story to the stage for York audiences.”
The Penelopiad premiered at the Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon, in July 2007 in a co-production between the Royal Shakespeare Company and Canada’s National Arts Centre. This marks the first major UK revival of the show since that production.
Further casting will be announced at a later date.
Casting by: Ellie Collyer-Bristow CDG
The Penelopiad is at York Theatre Royal from 10 Oct – 31 Oct.
Find out more information and book your tickets here.
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