Claire Skinner and Alison Steadman to Lead UK Premiere of RABBIT HOLE at Hampstead

As previously reported, Hampstead Theatre will present the UK premiere of David Lindsay-Abaire's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama RABBIT HOLE, directed by Edward Hall. Now, The Daily Mail writes that a restrained Claire Skinner (as Becca) and Alison Steadman (as Nat, Becca's mother) will star in the production, which begins on January 29, 2016. Edward Hall directs.

"It's got great heart but it's not sentimental," Steadman told the Mail. "You see these two women both coping with grief and just not connecting, and at loggerheads. The trauma that grief brings with it creates uneasy relationships."

Lindsay-Abaire has reportedly included a new note in the latest edition of the play's text. Steadman added, "The writer states that he doesn't want hugging and tears. He's worried, because there have been previous productions -- not on Broadway! -- where they've gone for the full crying, hugging, holding hands thing. And he has put notes in the script where he says: 'Please don't make my play into this wet, soggy thing. Any tears should be brief, or withheld.'"

Also in the cast are Tom Goodman-Hill (as Becca's husband), Georgina Rich and newcomer Sean Delaney.

RABBIT HOLE, a searing and a witty tale of a family wrestling with terrible loss, won the prize following its 2006 Broadway premiere. The play was later adapted for film, with Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart amongst the cast.

In RABBIT HOLE, Becca and Howie Corbett are a happy suburban family with everything they could want until a shocking and sudden event turns their world upside down and leaves them drifting perilously apart. Riding the turbulence of domestic life, Becca and Howie must find a way back to each other whilst their unpredictable family tries to bridge the 'infinite space between', which life changing events create. David Lindsay-Abaire's stunning Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, filled with distinctive wit and grace, charts the journey of grief and its antidotes - love and hope.

Skinner is best known for her TV career, including her roles as 'Sue Brockman' in the BBC's OUTNUMBERED, 'Clare' in LIFE BEGINS, and 'Lucinda' in the first season of CHEF! opposite Lenny Henry. She has also worked with acclaimed directors Mike Leigh, Trevor Nunn, Sam Mendes and Alan Ayckbourn.

Steadman has starred in the West End's BLITHE SPIRIT and won the 1993 Olivier Award for Best Actress for her role as 'Mari' in THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE. Among her other stage credits are THE MEMORY OF WATER, ABIGAIL'S PARTY, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, ENTERTAINING MR SLOANE, HOTEL PARADISO, and more with the Royal Court, the Old Vic, the Hampstead, the National, the RSC and more. She has also appeared on TV in THE SINGING DETECTIVE, FAT FRIENDS, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, GAVIN & STACEY and ORPHAN BLACK. Among her film credits are THE LIFE AND DEATH OF PETER SELLERS, SHIRLEY VALENTINE and more.

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