Pioneering theatre company Headlong has revealed the cast for the upcoming UK tour of their hit production “The House Party”. This reimagining of August Strindberg’s “Miss Julie” for today’s generation is set to captivate audiences across the country.
Sesley Hope, known for her role in “Bridgerton”, will take on the character of Christine. Joining her are Synnøve Karlsen, recognized for her performances in “Miss Austen” and “Last Night in Soho”, who will portray Julie. Tom Lewis, familiar to audiences from “Gentleman Jack” and “Breach”, rounds out the main cast as Jon.
“The House Party”, a co-production with Chichester Festival Theatre, premiered in May 2024. The tour, presented in association with Leeds Playhouse and Rose Theatre, Kingston, alongside Bristol Old Vic, will commence at Leeds Playhouse in February 2025. The production will then move to various venues including Rose Theatre, Kingston, HOME Manchester, Bristol Old Vic, and Belgrade Theatre Coventry, running through May 2025.
Written by Laura Lomas and directed by Headlong’s Artistic Director Holly Race Roughan, the play offers a contemporary twist on Strindberg’s classic. Set during Julie’s 18th birthday celebration in her father’s lavish townhouse, the story unfolds as a night of wild partying leads to a potent mix of privilege, desire, and destruction.
Holly Race Roughan, the director, shared her enthusiasm: “Bringing new plays back to life right now on stages across the UK is vital. I couldn’t have hoped for a sharper, more thrilling group of young actors to ignite the 1800s fire in Lomas’ scorching modern take on Miss Julie. The teenage party is back—electric, unrelenting and, no matter what your age, ready to pull you in.”
This UK tour follows Headlong’s successful 50th anniversary season in 2024, which included acclaimed productions such as “A Raisin in the Sun” and “The New Real”. The company continues to push boundaries in British theatre, bringing fresh perspectives to classic works and nurturing new talent.