Playwright Mike Bartlett commented:
‘I’m hugely excited to see Wild free-streamed online. Amongst other things, the play is about role of the internet in democratising information and opening up to hitherto private rooms. In that way, this feels like the ideal way for this production to reach a wider audience – completely free of charge. Hampstead Theatre’s free-streams are a wonderful initiative and I hope those watching, wherever they are in the world, enjoy the play, and that it starts as much a conversation at home, as it has in the foyer of the theatre itself.’
Hampstead Theatre’s Artistic Director Edward Hall says:
‘I am delighted that Wild is to join the body of work already shown in Hampstead Theatre’s free-streaming programme. Since our first free-stream in 2013, of Howard Brenton’s The Arrest of Ai Weiwei, we have attracted over 60,000 views in over 80 countries. Thousands of people around the world have enjoyed Hampstead productions at their kitchen tables, in their classrooms, on their commutes - even from their hospital beds. I’m immensely proud that Hampstead continues to provide this free access to high quality theatre and we will endeavour to continue to do so whenever financially viable. I’d like to thank Mike Bartlett and the Creative Team, Cast and Company for allowing us to show their work in this innovative way for all of you to enjoy.’
Wild explores the unexpected, bewildering, and life-changing consequences of challenging the status quo at a global level. As the State grows more powerful because of technology, and technology grows more powerful because of the State, where do the self-appointed protectors of the rights of the citizen stand? Heroes? Or traitors?
Last week, Andrew was that guy with his girl lunching in KFC, discussing apartments and making plans for the future. Today he’s in Moscow, in an undisclosed hotel room, on the run and at risk of assassination. Last week, a nobody. This week, America’s Most Wanted: a man who humiliated his country with one touch of a button.
Directed by James Macdonald, the full cast features Jack Farthing, Caoilfhionn Dunne and John Mackay.
Mike Bartlett returns to Hampstead following his critically acclaimed stage adaptation of Chariots of Fire. His play King Charles III (Almeida Theatre) enjoyed a West End and Broadway transfer last year. The play won the Olivier Award for Best New Play and the South Bank Sky Arts Theatre Award 2015. Mike’s other recent plays include Bull (Young Vic), Game (Almeida), Theatre UK Best New Play winner Love, Love, Love (Paines Plough/Royal Court), 13 (National Theatre) and Earthquakes In London (Headlong/National Theatre). Television credits include Doctor Foster (BBC).
James Macdonald returns to Hampstead Theatre following The Arrest of Ai Weiwei by Howard Brenton. Wild is his second collaboration with Bartlett following Cock (Royal Court). James’s many other theatre credits include Caryl Churchill’s Escaped Alone, Cock, Drunk Enough to Say I Love You?, Blasted (Royal Court). Other recent work includes The Father (Theatre Royal Bath, Tricycle and West End), Exiles (National) and Glengarry Glen Ross (West End). He was Associate Director at the Royal Court 1992-2007.
Jack Farthing plays Andrew. His recent theatre credits include Carmen Disruption (Almeida), Bang Bang Bang (Royal Court/ Out of Joint), Mary Broome (Orange Tree Theatre), Charley’s Aunt, Comedy of Errors (Royal Exchange), Love Labour’s Lost (Shakespeare’s Globe and U.S Tour), Helen, Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare’s Globe) and The Odyssey (National Theatre). Jack’s film credits include The Riot Club and Burn, Burn Burn and his television credits include Poldark, Cilla, Blandings I & II, and Da Vinci’s Demons.
Caoilfhionn Dunne plays Woman. Her recent theatre credits include Forever Yours, Mary Lou (Theatre Royal, Bath), Our Country's Good, The Veil (National Theatre), Fathers and Sons, The Night Alive (Donmar Warehouse). Caoilfhionn's television and film credits include Traders, Love/ Hate, Vexed II, In View and Wrath of the Titans.
John Mackay plays Man. Theatre credits include Measure For Measure (Young Vic), Oresteia (Almeida), Drawing the Line, 55 Days (Hampstead), Richard III, (Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory), Going Dark (Young Vic/ Sound & Fury), Little Eagles, Antony and Cleopatra, King Lear, The Winter’s Tale, Julius Caesar, The Grainstore, The Histories, Twelfth Night, As You Like It, Pilate, Hamlet (RSC). John’s television credits include Hollow Crown II, The Honourable Woman, Holby City, Law and Order; The Great Transatlantic Cable, Doc Martin, Casualty, Trial & Retribution III.
Designer Miriam Buether
Lighting Peter Mumford
Sound Christopher Shutt
Consulting Illusionist Ben Hart
Casting Amy Ball
Hampstead Theatre has partnered with The Guardian to promote the free-streaming. To watch the show live and free on the 23 July visit hampsteadtheatre.com or guardian.com/stage. The show will be available on demand for 72 hours following the free-stream on Hampstead’s and The Guardian’s website. Viewers can interact via twitter and facebook throughout the live-streaming using #WildFreeStream. Follow @Hamps_Theatre and @guardianstage to join the conversation and live commentary.
The stage production of Wild was kindly supported by The Godwin Family.
