Friendship takes centre stage in Di and Viv and Rose – cast announced for joyful new co-production

Theatre by the Lake (TBTL) and Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch announce the cast and creative team for their bold new co-production of Di and Viv and Rose by Amelia Bullmore, directed by Fay Lomas.

Set to open at TBTL this September, this heartwarming and sharply funny play explores the lifelong bond between three women as they navigate friendship, ambition, love and loss across three unforgettable decades.

The cast features Sally Hodgkiss as Di (Jack and the Beanstalk (Norwich Theatre Royal); Grimm & Grimmer (Plymouth Theatre Royal); Once Upon a Time (UK Tour)), Amelia Donkor as Viv (His Last Report (York Theatre Royal in association with Riding Lights Theatre Company); Dear Martin (Arcola Theatre); Private Lives (Pitlochry Festival Theatre) and returning to TBTL after her role in the 2017 production of The Secret Garden, Olivia Sweeney as Rose (FAUSTUS: That Damned Woman (Chester Storyhouse); Under Milk Wood (Volcano Theatre); TAPPED (Theatre 503)).

Set against a soundtrack of the iconic music and culture of the 80s, 90s and Noughties, Di and Viv and Rose captures the spirited, messy complexity of adulthood and celebrates the enduring power of female friendship.

Originally a sell-out hit at Hampstead Theatre before transferring to the West End, Amelia Bullmore’s acclaimed play is brought vividly to life in this fresh, new production.

Returning to TBTL, after her role as Associate Director on 2022 production of The Beauty Queen of Leenane, is Director Fay Lomas (The Girl Who Was Very Good At Lying (Omnibus Theatre and Summerhall, Edinburgh, nominated for Off West End Best Director Award); Supernova (National Tour); Out of the Dark (Rose Theatre Kingston)). Fay said: “I’m so excited to be bringing this brilliant play to Theatre by the Lake and Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, with a fantastic cast and creative team. Di and Viv and Rose is a funny, moving exploration of friendship across the years. The characters are lovable and relatable and there’s some excellent 80s music! It’s also a beautiful exploration of time, and what it is to grow older, alongside other people.”

Joining her on the creative team is Hannah Sibai, Designer (Public Record (National Theatre Public Acts); Oum (Dutch National Opera); Lili pilot (iNK Stories NYC and RSC Theatre)), Lex Kosanke, Composer and Sound Designer (The Grand Expedition (for Gingerline in London, Seoul, Shanghai and Shenzhen); The Girl Who Was Very Good At Lying (UK Tour); Supernova (UK Tour)), Jessie Addinall, Lighting Designer (Unfiltered (Pentabus); Steel (Theatre by The Lake); Hospital Doors (Next Door But One)) and Georgina Makhubele, Movement Director (A Home For Harmony (People’s Theatre Collective – Tour); The Bolds (Unicorn Theatre); Enact (The Theatre Chipping Norton)).

Julia Samuels, TBTL’s Artistic Director (Maternity Cover) said: We’re delighted to be bringing Di and Viv and Rose to TBTL as part of our continued commitment to producing bold, entertaining and emotionally resonant work. We’re thrilled to be co-producing it with our friends at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch. It’s exactly the kind of story we know our audiences will love, funny, hard-hitting and full of heart.”

Tickets are on sale at theatrebythelake.com and on 017687 74411.