Bristol Old Vic and ETT have released first-look production images for the world premiere of Lanny, adapted by Bea Roberts from Max Porter’s acclaimed novel. Serving as the flagship production of Bristol Old Vic’s 260th anniversary season, the stage adaptation is directed by Artistic Director Nancy Medina and runs through November 7.
Set in a village near Bristol, Lanny tells the story of a newly arrived family whose young son attracts the attention of Dead Papa Toothwort, a mythical entity listening from the surrounding woods. Porter’s original 2019 book was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize and praised for its inventive, spellbinding prose. Five years in the making, this new stage version brings the dark, folklore-infused story to life, exploring themes of imagination, family, and the search for belonging.
The cast features Hanora Kamen as Jolie, Raj Bajaj as Robert, Richard Cant as Pete, Rupert Holliday Evans as The Lecturer, and Amanda Lawrence as Peggy, alongside Liam Bergin and Rose Wardlaw in multiple roles. The central role of Lanny is shared by young actors Atlas Johnson-Dutfield and Lucian Thomas, both making their professional stage debuts. The production heavily features talent rooted in Bristol and the South West.
Directed by Medina, the creative team includes Set and Costume Designer Rebecca Jane Wood, Composer and Musical Director Dom Coyote, Movement Director Dan Canham, Lighting Designer Zeynep Kepekli, and Sound Designers Elena Peña and Dave Price. Video design is by Christopher Harrisson, with puppetry consulting by Izzy Bristow and dramaturgy by Ben Atterbury.
Lanny is currently playing at Bristol Old Vic until November 7, offering audiences an imaginative blend of folklore, myth, and compelling theatre.
Photo credit: Helen Murray
