The star will appear in a new production of Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People.
Thanks to Stageberry, we’ve learned that Matt Smith (House of the Dragon) is returning to the West End.
The former Doctor Who star is cast as Dr Stockmann in Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People, his first stage role since appearing in 2019’s Lungs opposite Clare Foy.
Ibsen’s 1882 play has been adapted jointly by Ostermeier and Florian Borchmeyer, with Ostermeier directing. This is the first English language version of his production, which has previously only been performed in German with audience members asked to vote on the play’s central dilemma.
An Enemy of the People
Doubt spreads faster than disease in Ibsen’s thought-provoking play about truth in a society driven by power and money.
When Dr Stockmann makes an unbelievable discovery about the healing waters in his local baths, he holds the future of the town in his hands, but those with everything to lose refuse to accept his word. As the battle goes beyond contaminated water, barriers are broken in this contemporary production as Ostermeier shows us why this perennial classic will be relevant forever.
The show will run from 6th February – 6th April 2024 at The Duke of York’s Theatre.
Matt Smith said:
“Thomas Ostermeier pushes the form and boundaries of theatre; I have been a fan for quite some time. Seeing his Richard III with Lars Erdinger was electric. When I heard he was interested in coming to the British stage for the first time, with Ibsen’s classic An Enemy of the People I was delighted to say the least.”
“It is an honour to be able to work with him on this great play and become part of this unique project. We’re beginning an exciting casting process, and I very much look forward to returning to the Duke of York’s Theatre early next year.”
Thomas Ostermeier adds:
“As we face the immediate impact of climate change and global warming, and our seeming incapacity to change these burning threats, Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People is unfortunately more relevant than ever. This is an urgent reason to create an English version of the production for London, and I look forward to collaborating with Matt Smith, an actor whose body of work I greatly admire.”
For more information on the show, check out www.anenemyofthepeople.co.uk
Tickets go on sale on 21st September 2023 via ATG.