Producers have announced the cast for the 30th anniversary production of Jonathan Harvey's classic coming-out, coming-of-age story Beautiful Thing.
A joint production by three theatres, the tour opens at London's Stratford East (September 8-October 7) before Leeds Playhouse (October 18-28) and HOME Manchester (October 31-November 11).
Teenage boys Ste and Jamie are neighbours on a South London estate. Both are being bullied, and when things get too much the boys strike up a relationship and explore their feelings, alongside their rebellious friend Leah and with the emotional support of Jamie's mother, Sandra.
Leading the cast are Raphael Akuwudike as Ste and Joshua Asare as Jamie. Akuwudike's theatre credits include Romeo and Juliet (Almeida Theatre), Sons of the Prophet (Hampstead Theatre), First Touch (Nottingham Playhouse) and The Jumper Factory (Young Vic).
Asare is an actor and writer, whose theatre work includes Safe (Reading), Comedy Troll (North Wall Arts Centre, Oxford) and Sundown Kiki and Sundown Kiki: Reloaded (Young Vic). He was a recipient of the VAULT Festival New Writer’s Award in 2018.
Director Anthony Simpson-Pike said: “Beautiful Thing is an iconic queer story that holds a special place in so many people's hearts. In its 30th anniversary year, I feel excited for people who look like me to see their own stories reflected on stage too, to feel that same stirring of recognition.
"Black queer people have always been around, this beautiful story of discovering your true self and falling in love belongs to all of us.”