ThickSkin and Lawrence Batley Theatre have revealed the full cast for the premiere of Blood Harmony, featuring music by acclaimed Indie folk trio The Staves will open at The Lowry in Salford from June 10-18, then tour to The Dukes in Lancaster on June 24-25, then complete the first leg of its tour at home venue the Lawrence Batley Theatre from June 28-July 2, before touring to new venues next year.
The show will feature (from left, below) Eve de Leon Allen (The House With Chicken Legs – HOME) as Chloe; Keshini Misha (The House With Chicken Legs) as Maia, and Philippa Hogg (Peter Pan – National Theatre) as Anna.
Indie folk trio The Staves, are famous for soulful harmonies, and the three sisters wrote their most recent album, Good Woman, following the loss of their mother. Inspired by the album, Matthew Bulgo, Jonnie Riordan and Jess Williams teamed up to create a powerful play about love, loss and legacy.
Blood Harmony (the title refers to the combination of harmonies and sound created by sibling performers), offers the story of a fractured trio of sisters, brought back together with news that turns their worlds upside down.
The Staves' music will be woven through the show, with new arrangements by Kate Marlais sung live by the three-strong cast. The band has also created a new song for the show.
Co-founder and artistic director of Thickskin, Neil Bettles, said, "Not only is it a beautiful and emotional script but it is wrapped in the gorgeous sounds of The Staves. This is our first venture into new musical theatre and an exciting time for the company as we work with these really exceptional artists."