Alex Ferns to Star in THE FATHER at Trafalgar Studios; Performances Begin in March

Laurie Slade's acclaimed new version of August Strindberg's The Father is to be given its London premiere at Trafalgar Studios this March. Jagged Fence Productions in association with Making Productions will present the play, for which casting is also announced today. Directed by Abbey Wright, former Resident Assistant Director at the Donmar Warehouse, Slade's contemporary adaptation of Strindberg's masterpiece will star Alex Ferns as the Captain. Tickets are on sale now.

Alex Ferns is well known for his award-winning role as 'Trevor' in BBC One's EastEnders and returns to the stage after recently starring in Sam Shepherd's True West at the Tricycle Theatre. Joining Ferns in the company are June Watson, Thomas Coombes, Emily Dobbs and Barnaby Sax, with further casting to be announced.

The adaptation originally ran in a critically acclaimed production at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry in 2012 and has subsequently been broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Laurie's version is a psychologically astute portrayal of gender roles, attitudes to marriage and the battle between science and religion.

An uneasy stand-off exists between the Captain and his wife, Laura. But, a disagreement over the future of their daughter, Bertha, triggers an all-out war. Laura will stop at nothing to gain control of her daughter's future. When she suggests to the Captain that he may not be the girl's father, a chain of events is set in motion that cannot be stopped. It is a battle of the minds, but the real question is - is it a battle either can win?

The Father is produced by Jagged Fence Productions. James Turner will design, with lighting by Gary Bowman, music by Simon Slater and casting by Annie Rowe.