Playwright Lucy Kirkwood, who explored international relations between the US and China in 2013's dazzling Olivier-winner Chimerica and dramatised a nuclear disaster in The Children (Royal Court, 2016), turns her talents to themes of justice and power. James Macdonald directs, bringing a proven track record for emotive new writing from working with the likes of Caryl Churchill and Mike Bartlett.
Taking its title from an old literary term for heavenly skies, The Welkin revolves around a group of women faced with a grave decision. When convicted murderer Sally Poppy claims to be pregnant and therefore exempt from the death penalty, a jury of 12 women must decide whether she is telling the truth or lying to escape the noose. As the jury battle with the mortal weight of their choice, the angry public demand Sally's blood and there's just one person willing to stand up for the condemned woman, midwife Lizzy Luke.
Rising star Ria Zmitrowicz, who impressed in TV drama Three Girls and on stage in The Almeida's Three Sisters, will star as Sally Poppy. She will be reunited with Three Girls co-star and stage regular Maxine Peake, who plays midwife Lizzy Luke.
Tickets for The Welkin at the National Theatre go on sale from 8:30am on Friday 11 October
| What | The Welkin, National Theatre |
| Where | National Theatre, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Waterloo (underground) |
| When |
15 Jan 20 – 28 Mar 20, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Price | £15 - £70 |
| Website | Click here to book and for more information |
