Charlie Archer Leads BILLY BUDD at Southwark Playhouse, Beg. Tonight

Billy Budd is the new show from the creators of the Offie-nominated The Illusion and Ladybird. Director Seb Harcombe has assembled a cast of emerging talent - seven fine young actors, the next generation of stage talent. They are joined by two well-known faces from stage and screen for the production, which will run from today, 17 July - 10 August.

Gerrard McArthur and Christopher Hammond both have extensive theatre and TV credits. Gerrard McArthur recently appeared in Scenes from an Execution (National) and he is a well-known face from TV (Holby City, Silent Witness, The Bill). Gerrard McArthur will play Claggart. Christopher Hammond appeared in Secret/Heart's Ladybird and in this production will play O Daniel.

Charlie Archer, a recent RADA graduate, plays the title role of Billy. He appeared in Secret/Heart¹s previous shows, The Illusion and Ladybird.

Iain Batchelor's credits since leaving RADA include Ladybird (New Diorama), Richard III, King John, & A Soldier In Every Son (RSC) and King Lear (West Yorkshire Playhouse).

Hugo Bolton is also a recent graduate of Drama Centre, his recent credits
include the feature film The Good Shepherd.

Luke Courtier's theatre credits include Merrie England (Finborough), As You Like It (West Yorkshire Playhouse) and Henry IV Parts 1& 2 (Theatre Royal Bath, directed by Peter Hall).

Joel Gorf's credits include Circles (Arcola) Macbeth (Icarus, UK & Ireland tour) and Confessions of a Butterfly (Lion and Unicorn).

Oliver King joins the company. Oliver previously appeared in A Warsaw Melody at the Arcola and his next role will be in Sunstroke at the Platform Theatre, Kings Cross. He is a recent graduate from Drama Centre.

Jonathan Leinmuller's stage credits include Darling of the Day (Union
Theatre) and Little Baby Nothing (Theatre503).

Secret/Heart is the theatre company founded by Seb Harcombe, formerly the Head of Acting at RADA (2009-12) where he trained the current generation of emerging actors.

The company is made up of recent graduates of UK drama schools and established actors. As well as helping to support young actors in the first years of their professional careers, Secret/Heart also provides an opportunity for thos wishing to specialise in developing work as part of a devising ensemble. Secret/Heart has been nominated for four 2012 OFFIE Awards, including Best Ensemble.

Billy Budd plays Southwark Playhouse, 7-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD, beginning today, 17 July and through­ 10 August 2013. Performances are at 7.30pm, and 3.00pm on Saturdays. Tickets are £16/£14, previews £10, and are available by calling the box office at 020 7407 0234 or by visiting www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk.

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