The Hills of California is a play written by British playwright Jez Butterworth.
| The Hills of California | |
|---|---|
 West End Promotional Poster | |
| Written by | Jez Butterworth |
| Directed by | Sam Mendes |
| Date premiered | 27 January 2024 |
| Place premiered | Harold Pinter Theatre, London |
| Original language | English |
| Setting | 1976, Blackpool |
Synopsis
editThe synopsis from the press release of the play stated;
Set in 1976's Blackpool, The Hills of California takes place in the driest summer in 200 years, with beaches and hotels packed to capacity. Far from the tourist thoroughfares, the Webb Sisters cram into the guest house of their former home as their mother lies dying.
Production history
editWest End (2024)
editOn 11 October 2023, it was announced that the play would make its world premiere at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London's West End. The show is scheduled to run for a strictly limited run from 27 January to 15 June 2024. It will be directed by Sam Mendes, designed by Rob Howell, lighting design by Natasha Chivers, sound design, composer, and arranger Nick Powell; choreographed by Ellen Kane and musical supervisor and arrangement by Candida Caldicot. It will be produced by Sonia Friedman Productions and Neal Street Productions.[1][2]
Broadway (2024)
editThe show transferred to the Broadhurst Theatre on Broadway. Previews were expected to begin on 11 September 2024 with an official opening night scheduled for 29 September 2024, with Sam Mendes directing. The principal cast from the London production were announced to reprise their roles.[3][4] Full casting was announced in July 2024.[5]
Cast
edit| Character | West End[6] | Broadway |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2024 | |
| Veronica / Joan | Laura Donnelly | |
| Gloria | Leanne Best | |
| Ruby | Ophelia Lovibond | |
| Jillian | Helena Wilson | |
| Dennis / Jack Larkin | Bryan Dick | |
| Bill / Mr Halliwell | Shaun Dooley | Richard Short |
| Luther St John | Corey Johnson | David Wilson Barnes |
| Mr Potts / Joe Fogg | Richard Lumsden | |
| Penny / Biddy | Natasha Magigi | Ta'Rea Campbell |
| Young Gloria | Nancy Allsop | |
| Young Ruby | Sophia Ally | |
| Young Joan | Lara McDonnell | |
| Young Jill | Nicola Turner | |
| Mr Smith | Will Barratt | Max Roll |
| Mrs Smith | Georgina Hellier | Ellyn Heald |
| Tony | Alfie Jackson | Liam Bixby |
| Patty | Lucy Moran | Nancy Allsop |
| Dr Rose | Stevie Raine | Cameron Scoggins |
Awards and nominations
editWest End production
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Laurence Olivier Awards[7] | Best New Play | Jez Butterworth | Nominated |
| Best Actress | Laura Donnelly | Nominated |
References
edit- ^ "New Jez Butterworth play The Hills of California to open in the West End, directed by Sam Mendes". 2023-10-11. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ Russo, Gillian (2023-10-11). "New play 'The Hills of California' to debut in the West End in 2024". London Theatre. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ Russo, Gillian (2024-06-25). "'The Hills of California' sets Broadway cast". New York Theatre Guide. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
- ^ Cullwell-Block, Logan (4 June 2024). "Jez Butterworth's The Hills of California Is Broadway Bound". Playbill.
- ^ Hall, Margaret (30 July 2024). "See Who's Starring in The Hills of California on Broadway". Playbill. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
- ^ "Cast & Creative | The Hills of California". hillsofcaliforniaplay.com/. Retrieved 2024-02-11.
- ^ "Olivier awards 2024: complete list of nominations". The Guardian. 2024-03-12. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-03-13.