Elizabeth Dulau and Owen Teal will headline the world premiere of Bird Grove, Alexi Kaye Campbell’s new play about one of England’s greatest writers, George Eliot. It will debut at Hampstead Theatre next month.
Directed by Anna Ledwich, Dulau plays Mary Ann Evans (later known as George Eliot). Teal is Robert Evans.
The cast also includes Jonnie Broadbent (Horace), Jolyon Coy (Isaac Evans), Tom Espiner (Charles Bray), Rebecca Scroggs (Cara Bray), James Staddon (Monsieur Lafontaine/Hugo Barling) and Sarah Woodward (Maria).
In Bird Grove, Campbell offers a fresh perspective on one of England’s greatest writers. A poignant exploration of family ties and self-determination the play questions how we can live alongside those we love when our beliefs pull us in different directions.
The year is 1841 and Mary Ann Evans is of marriageable age – just. Her father, Robert, has recently moved with her to Bird Grove House, with the sole purpose of finding her a suitable husband through the local church. But Mary Ann’s remarkable intellect and growing self-confidence are forming progressive new ideas in her mind; ideas that challenge her father’s most strongly held beliefs.
Fuelled by every new book she reads and a burgeoning friendship with local radicals, Mary Ann finds it increasingly difficult to accept the rules of the world around her – bringing her into direct and bitter conflict with the father she adores. But perhaps that is the only way forward: to break every societal convention expected of her, find her voice, and become the writer she has always dreamt of being. After all, who can suppress the astounding gifts of future literary titan, George Eliot?
The creative team includes designer Sarah Beaton, lighting designer Matt Haskins and sound designer and composer Harry Blake. The casting director is Juliet Horsley.
The production plays Hampstead Theatre from February 13 to March 21, 2026. Tickets here.
Top image: Bird Grove cast (image supplied)