Inside The Hills of California: meet the theatrical sisterhood of Jez Butterworth’s new play

Long ReadsFeb 8, 2024

Cast of The Hills of California. Photo: Oliver Rosser

Cast of The Hills of California. Photo: Oliver Rosser

With his new work, The Hills of California, playwright Jez Butterworth has brought together a powerhouse cast: actors Laura Donnelly, Helena Wilson, Ophelia Lovibond and Leanne Best. They discuss what this experience means to them, how it came to fruition, and the joys of working with Butterworth, Mendes and, most importantly, each other

THIS IS NOT A PAYWALL

Serious about theatre?
Join over 100,000 theatremakers who rely on The Stage for trusted news, reviews, and insight.

🔓 Sign in below or create a free account to read 5 free articles.

Want to support independent theatre journalism? Subscribe from just £7.99 and unlock:

🗞️ Unlimited access to award-winning theatre journalism

⭐ 1000+ reviews from across the UK

📧 Breaking news and daily newsletters

💡Insight and opinion from writers including Lyn Gardner & Amanda Parker

🎟️Discounts and early access to The Stage’s events

More on this topic

Dickens’ great-great-great-grandson to perform author’s ‘heart-racing’ scenes

Dickens’ great-great-great-grandson to perform author’s ‘heart-racing’ scenes

News by Matthew Hemley

tiata fahodzi unveils 2026/27 programme including climate justice workshops

tiata fahodzi unveils 2026/27 programme including climate justice workshops

Production News by Katie Chambers

Hamlet to be performed in London Waterstones as part of workshop series

Hamlet to be performed in London Waterstones as part of workshop series

News by Katie Chambers

Jesus Christ Superstar to offer onstage standing tickets in first for Palladium

Jesus Christ Superstar to offer onstage standing tickets in first for Palladium

Production News by Fergus Morgan

Recommended for you

Dickens’ great-great-great-grandson to perform author’s ‘heart-racing’ scenes

Dickens’ great-great-great-grandson to perform author’s ‘heart-racing’ scenes

News by Matthew Hemley

tiata fahodzi unveils 2026/27 programme including climate justice workshops

tiata fahodzi unveils 2026/27 programme including climate justice workshops

Production News by Katie Chambers

Hamlet to be performed in London Waterstones as part of workshop series

Hamlet to be performed in London Waterstones as part of workshop series

News by Katie Chambers

Jesus Christ Superstar to offer onstage standing tickets in first for Palladium

Jesus Christ Superstar to offer onstage standing tickets in first for Palladium

Production News by Fergus Morgan

Opinion

Does critics’ access to shows need a more nuanced approach?

Does critics’ access to shows need a more nuanced approach?

by Richard Jordan

What will the 2026 elections mean for culture?

What will the 2026 elections mean for culture?

by Amanda Parker

British talent is riding a wave – the Tony nominations tell us so

British talent is riding a wave – the Tony nominations tell us so

by Matthew Hemley

Does theatre need to be more honest about its close relationship with alcohol?

Does theatre need to be more honest about its close relationship with alcohol?

Most Read

Across The Stage this week

Tony Awards 2026: full list of nominations

Producer defends Maureen Lipman as pro-Palestine activists demand her removal from show

Can touring theatre fix its broken business model?

The Psychic review

Fire closes Broadway’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre

Does theatre need to be more honest about its close relationship with alcohol?

Bank of Dave: The Musical review

Magic review

Jesus Christ Superstar to offer onstage standing tickets in first for Palladium

Broadway Cabaret investor files additional lawsuit against producers

Your subscription helps ensure our journalism can continue

Invest in The Stage today with a subscription starting at just £7.99

Magazine

Opinion & Advice

The Stage Interview

My Favourite Play

More

Get Into Theatre

Info

Advertising Enquiries

Awards

The Stage Awards

The Stage Debut Awards

The British Audio Awards

Legal

Terms & Conditions

Advertising Terms & Conditions

Contributor Agreement

Community Guidelines

Digital

Magazine Editions

Subscribe

Subscribe

Start a subscription today from just £7.99 Subscribe

© Copyright The Stage Media Company Limited 2026