06 September 2025
Newsdesk
Hampstead Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the world premiere of Nancy Farino’s debut play, Fatherland. The sharp, tender, and darkly funny play will run at Hampstead Downstairs from October 31 to November 29, with a press night on November 6.
Fatherland marks the professional writing debut for Nancy Farino, a recent graduate of Hampstead Theatre's INSPIRE program for emerging playwrights. Farino will also star in the play as Joy, a woman struggling to keep her life together while feeling overwhelmed by the demands of her relationships.
Joining her on stage are Jason Thorpe, who will play Winston, Joy’s life-coach father. Thorpe is well-known for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, including recent roles in The Merry Wives of Windsor and School For Scandal. The cast is completed by Shona Babayemi as Claire, whose recent credits include performances at Shakespeare's Globe in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Twelfth Night.
The play follows Winston and Joy on an impromptu road trip to County Mayo, Ireland, in a converted school bus. Their journey is a comedic yet poignant attempt to find their roots while simultaneously escaping their present-day problems, including Winston’s pending lawsuit and Joy’s emotional exhaustion. The narrative is a compelling exploration of family, connection, and the unpredictable nature of life.
The production is directed by Tessa Walker, who returns to Hampstead Theatre after her previous work on Ravenscourt and Biscuits for Breakfast. The creative team also includes designer Debbie Duru, lighting designer Christopher Nairne, sound designer Khalil Madovi, and movement director Rebecca Wield.
Tickets for Fatherland are available now at hampsteadtheatre.com.
