Eileen Atkins and Imelda Staunton to Headline There Came a Gypsy Riding

Eileen Atkins and Imelda Staunton will headline the world premiere of Frank McGuinness’ There Came a Gypsy Riding at the Almeida Theatre in London, January 11-March 3. The production will be directed by Almeida’s artistic director, Michael Attenborough; it will open officially on January 18.

The play concerns the McKenna family, whose members convene at their remote holiday home to mark the 21st birthday of their late son, Gene. Their eccentric cousin, Bridget, invites herself to the party, ready to expose a family secret. McGuinness’ other plays include Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me and Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme.

Also in the cast of the Almeida production are Aidan McArdle, Elaine Cassidy, and Ian McElhinney. The design team includes Robert Jones (sets and costumes), Paul Pyant (lighting), and Paul Arditti (sound).

Atkins, who will play Bridget, is a four-time Tony Award nominee for The Retreat From Moscow, Indiscretions, Vivat, Vivat, Regina!, and The Killing of Sister George. She recently starred on Broadway in Doubt. Among her Off-Broadway credits are A Room of One’s Own and Vita & Virginia, for which she earned Obie and Lucille Lortel Awards, Prin, and The Unexpected Man.

Staunton, who will play Margaret, has appeared on the London stage in Life x3, A Chorus of Disapproval, Guys and Dolls, and Uncle Vanya. Her film work includes Vera Drake (for which she received an Academy Award nomination), Nanny McPhee, and Shakespeare in Love. Next year, she will be seen in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.