London Premiere of Jesse Eisenberg's THE SPOILS Begins Today

Alfie Allen (Game of Thrones, John Wick, Equus), Katie Brayben (Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, King Charles III, American Psycho) and Annapurna Sriram (Billions, South of Hell) join Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network, Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice) and Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) in the European premiere of The New Group's critically acclaimed Off-Broadway production, The Spoils. This razor-sharp new comedy, written by and starring Jesse Eisenberg, begins at London's Trafalgar Studios today, 27 May to 13 August, with press night on 2 June.

Eisenberg's third play, The Spoils originally ran Off-Broadway, to critical acclaim, in 2015 at The Pershing Square Signature Center from 5 May to 28 June. This play cements his reputation as a talented playwright whose tragicomic work explores questions of American privilege and the nature of family and relationships. The production is directed by The New Group's Artistic Director, Scott Elliott, and stars Jesse as Ben, alongside his original co-star, Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) as Kalyan. Further casting to be announced in due course.

A cuttingly satirical glimpse of a lost soul searching to assent the reality of his situation. Perceptively disconcerting, The Spoils speaks to the exasperated, self-analysing millennial generation. A painfully awkward comedy, not to be missed!

Nobody likes Ben. Ben doesn't even like Ben. He bullies everyone in his life, including his roommate Kalyan, an earnest Nepalese immigrant. When Ben discovers that his school crush is marrying a straight-laced banker, he sets out to destroy their relationship and win her back.

The Spoils has set design by Derek McLane, costume design by Susan Hilferty, lighting design by Peter Kaczorowski, sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen and projection design by Olivia Sebesky.

Jesse Eisenberg said "The Spoils explores issues as disparate as stunted sexuality and the politics of the deposed Nepalese Monarchy, NFL on Fox and the fluctuating prices of tea on the agrarian market. It's about how all of these seemingly unrelated things intersect to create a portrait of life in a complicated, heterogeneous society. I'm thrilled to perform this play in London, such an incredible centre for theatre."

Scott Elliott, Artistic Director, The New Group said "When ATG offered us the opportunity to bring a New Group show from New York to Trafalgar Studios I just couldn't resist. It's been a decade since we were on the West End with our production of Avenue Q and Jesse Eisenberg's The Spoils, a fiercely emotional, finely observed ensemble play written by and starring a truly singular artist, seemed the perfect way for London theatergoers to become reacquainted with our work. Everyone knows Jesse the brilliant film actor but Jesse the theater artist is truly remarkable, and I'm thrilled and honored to be able to introduce his work to the West End."

Ambassador Theatre Group and Lisa Matlin present The New Group production of The Spoils.

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