Comedian Joe Lycett and House of the Dragon star Olivia Cooke are joining the rotating cast of the hit experimental play White Rabbit Red Rabbit at London’s Duchess Theatre. Due to high demand, the production has extended its popular Monday residency through December 14.
New Star-Studded Cast Additions for the West End Hit
Lycett, known for Live from the Lycett Arms and Celebrity Traitors, takes the stage on November 2. Cooke, who also starred in Slow Horses, performs later in the month on November 23. Their casting supports the 15th-anniversary West End run extension.
The weekly Monday night residency features a rotating lineup of high-profile actors and comedians. Upcoming performances leading up to Lycett and Cooke include Riz Ahmed on October 12, Nish Kumar on October 19, and John Bradley on October 26. Further casting details for the final weeks of the residency will be announced soon.
A Unique Theatrical Experience Without Rehearsal
Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour wrote White Rabbit Red Rabbit in 2011 while he was forbidden to leave Iran. The play features an unconventional format. Each week, a different performer steps onto the stage and receives a sealed envelope containing a script they have never seen before.
The actors perform the work entirely cold. There are no rehearsals, no director, and only a single chance to deliver the material. This experimental approach creates an unrepeatable experience focused entirely on how the performer navigates the unknown.
Over its 15-year history, the play has been performed more than 4,000 times worldwide. Past participants include Whoopi Goldberg, Cynthia Nixon, Michael Sheen, David Tennant, Jodie Whittaker, and David Harewood. There & Then, an independent production company founded by Soleimanpour and director Omar Elerian, presents the London run.
Frequently Asked Questions About White Rabbit Red Rabbit
What is White Rabbit Red Rabbit about?
Written by Nassim Soleimanpour, the play explores themes of obedience, choice, and freedom of expression through a playful, poignant, and unpredictable theatrical format.
Who else is starring in the current West End run?
The rotating cast features notable names such as Riz Ahmed, Nish Kumar, John Bradley, Joe Lycett, and Olivia Cooke, alongside earlier appearances by David Tennant, Jodie Whittaker, and David Harewood.
Where is the production playing?
The show runs as a Monday residency at the Duchess Theatre, located at 3-5 Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5LA.
Are there rehearsals for the actors?
No. Performers receive a sealed envelope with the script the moment they step on stage. They perform it for the first time without any prior rehearsal or direction.
How long is the running time?
The performance runs for approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes without an interval, with age guidelines recommended for audiences aged 12 and older.
