Isla Blair and Nicholas Day will star as Rita and Ben Lyons, the pair of dysfunctional,hysterical parents, in the London premiere of Nicky Silver’s comedy The Lyons. Helmed by the show’s Broadway director, Mark Brokaw, the production will run at the Menier Chocolate Factory from September 19 through November 16.
In addition to Blair and Day, the cast will also include Tom Ellis, Charlotte Randle, Katy Secombe, and Ben Aldridge.
Blair’s stage credits include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Steel Magnolias, The History Boys and Breath of Life. Her screen credits include House of Cards, The Final Cut and Single Father. Day has been seen on stage in Cardenio, The City Madam, The Iceman Cometh and Dealer’s Choice. Day appeared on screen in Lovejoy, Minder, New Tricks, Amazing Grace, Margaret and The Take. Ellis is a TV actor best known for his roles in EastEnders, Miranda, Once Upon a Time, Life on Mars and Pulling. Randle’s vast stage credits include The Kng’s Speech, Lobby Hero, As You Like It, Sexual Perversity in Chicago, Marat/Sade and Romeo and Juliet.
The Lyons is about a family grappling with the impending death of its patriarch. When Ben Lyons’ (Day) wife, Rita (Blair), and their grown children (Ellis and Randle) gather to say goodbye, they learn that despite being a family, each of them is utterly isolated. Afraid of closeness and afraid of solitude, they are propelled into foreign territory—human connection.
The Lyons will feature set and costume design by Jonathan Fensom, lighting design by Jason Taylor and sound design by Gregory Clarke.