In Celebration casting announced | London Theatre Direct

Tim Healy and Dearbhla Molloy are to join Orlando Bloom, Lynda Baron and Paul Hilton in Anna Mackmin’s production of David Storey’s 1969 drama, In Celebration. Designs are by Lez Brotherson, with lighting by Mark Henderson, music by Stephen Warbeck and sound by John Leonard. Produced in the West End by Sonia Friedman Productions, In Celebration will run at the Duke of York’s Theatre from 5 July, with press night on 12 July, and is currently booking until 15 September.

The full cast is Lynda Baron (Mrs Burnett), Orlando Bloom (Steven), Gareth Farr (Colin), Tim Healy (Mr Shaw), Paul Hilton (Andrew), Ciaran McIntyre (Reardon) and Dearbhla Molloy (Mrs Shaw).

David Storey’s modern classic took audiences by storm at the Royal Court in the 1960’s and established him as one of the country's most powerful playwrights. Three brothers - Andrew, Colin and Steven - return home to the northern roots of their childhood for a family reunion. Although they have returned to celebrate, the explosive complexities of family life and long-held grievances are unlikely to improve the chances of a decent party… Compelling and emotionally thrilling, In Celebration is an exploration of family love and of how the consequences of best intentions can threaten to destroy treasured hopes and dreams.

Tim Healy created the role of Dad on stage in Stephen Daldry’s multi award-winning Billy Elliot The Musical. His other theatre work includes Art at Wyndhams Theatre, Twelve Angry Men at the Comedy Theatre and Shooting the Legend and Going Home for Theatre Royal Newcastle. On television he is best known for playing Dennis Patterson in Auf Wiedersehen Pet as well as leading roles in Coronation Street, Mit, Common as Muck, The Grand, Dead Man Weds and When the Boat Comes In. His film work includes Remains of the Day, The Lost World, The Egg, School for Seduction and Flea Bites.

Tony Award nominated Dearbha Molloy’s extensive theatre work includes All My Sons for Liverpool Playhouse, Juno and the Paycock for the Donmar Warehouse and on Broadway, The Cripple of Inishmaan for the National Theatre and her award-winning performance as Maggie in Dancing at Lughnasa, also on Broadway. She has performed many times at Dublin’s Gate and Abbey Theatres, as well as for the RSC. Her television credits include New Tricks, 55 Degrees North, Foyles War, Waking The Dead and The Fragile Heart. Her film work includes Mostly Martha, Tara Road and Home for Christmas.

Multi award-winning novelist and playwright David Storey’s plays include The Restoration of Arnold Middleton (1967), which won the Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Playwright, In Celebration (1969), The Contractor (1969), Home (1970), The Changing Room (1972), The Farm (1973) and Life Class (1975), all of which were premiered at the Royal Court Theatre where he was Assistant Artistic Director from 1972-74. Early Days (1980), The March on Russia (1989) and Stages (1992) all premiered at the National Theatre. Of his novels, This Sporting Life, published in 1960, won the Macmillan Fiction Award and was adapted as a film starring Richard Harris, Flight into Camden (1960) won the Mail on Sunday/John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, Pasmore won the 1973 Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize and Saville won the Booker Prize for Fiction in 1976.

In Celebration received its world premiere at the Royal Court Theatre in 1969 and subsequently Lindsay Anderson directed a film version with a cast including Alan Bates, James Bolam, Constance Chapman, Brian Cox, Gabrielle Dray and Bill Owen.