Bush Theatre Artistic Director Lynette Linton (Blues for an Alabama Sky, Shifters) returns to the National Theatre to direct the first revival in 40 years of Guyanaborn British writer Michael Abbensetts’ (Sweet Talk, Empire Road), era-defining comedy Alterations, with additional material by writer Trish Cooke (Black Street Mammy). Playing in the Lyttelton theatre from 20 February to 5 April 2025.
Who’s in the cast?
Initial casting includes Arinzé Kene (Get Up, Stand Up: The Bob Marley Story) making his National Theatre debut and Cherrelle Skeete (Hanna). Further casting to be announced.
Creative team
Joining director Lynette Linton will be set and costume designer Frankie Bradshaw, lighting designer Oliver Fenwick, movement director Shelley Maxwell, composer Duramaney Kamara, sound designer George Dennis, Wigs, Hair and Make-up Designer Cynthia De La Rosa, fight director Kate Waters, casting Alastair Coomer CDG and Naomi Downham, and associate set and costume designer Natalie Johnson.
What’s the show about?
Alterations illuminates the Guyanese experience of 1970s London. Part of the Black Plays Archive, an online catalogue of the first professional production in the UK of plays written by Black British, African, and Caribbean playwrights based at the National Theatre.
‘Is that what you want? To be an underdog all your life?’
Walker Holt has big dreams for his tailor’s shop, and an even bigger order to complete. Over the course of 24 hours, he must work tirelessly to satisfy his new client’s impossible tailoring needs. But as the night goes on, it’s not just the trouser hems that start to fray, as tensions rise, and Walker’s friendships and relationships are pushed to their limits. His success comes at a cost, but what price is he willing to pay?
Assisted performances
Captioned
Saturday 22 March – 2.30pm
Wednesday 2 April – 7.30pm
BSL Interpreted
Tuesday 18 March – 7.30pm
Audio described
Saturday 15 March – 2.30pm
Friday 28 March – 7.30pm
Relaxed performance
Monday 24 March – 7.30pm
