Nathaniel Parker to star in Katherine Moar play at Jermyn Street Theatre

Nathaniel Parker is to lead the world premiere of Katherine Moar’s Ragdoll, which is inspired by the trial of an actor who was kidnapped by a US far-left militant group in the 1970s.

Parker, whose credits include an Olivier award-winning turn in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s stage adaptation of Wolf Hall, will be joined on stage by Abigail Cruttenden, who is known for her role in the 2014 Stephen Hawking film The Theory of Everything. Ben Lamb and Katie Mansell complete the production’s cast. 

Directed by Josh Seymour, Ragdoll will run from October 14 to November 15 at Jermyn Street Theatre, with previews from October 9.

It is Moar’s second play after her debut, Farm Hall, scored a UK tour and a West End transfer last year, having also premiered at Jermyn Street Theatre.

Moar said: "I’m thrilled to be returning to Jermyn Street Theatre after the wonderful experience I had there with my debut play, Farm Hall. There’s something truly special about this space - its intimacy draws the audience into every moment, making each performance deeply personal. 

"I’m especially excited to be working with such a phenomenal cast. I can’t wait to see them bring this play to life in rehearsals and to share that magic with audiences."

Artistic director Stella Powell-Jones and co-artistic director and executive producer David Doyle added: "Katherine’s debut play Farm Hall showed her to be one of the most assured and talented writers of her generation, thrilling audiences here, on a national tour and on the West End. 

"We’re delighted to now premiere her second, Ragdoll. Josh Seymour has a rare gift for making theatre that grips you tight. He leads an exceptional cast and creative team, and we can’t wait to share this production with audiences."

The creative team includes Ceci Calf as set designer, Tom Paris as costume designer, Jamie Platt as lightning designer and Lex Kosanke as composer and sound designer. They are joined by Anjali Mehra as movement director, Becky Paris CDG as casting director, Andrea Fudge as dialect coach and Tess Dignan as voice coach.