Three-time Olivier award-winning Alex Jennings will lead the cast in the world premiere of The Southbury Child, a new play by BAFTA winner Stephen Beresford, which opens at Chichester Festival Theatre from 13-25 June 2022 before transferring to the Bridge Theatre from 1 July-27 August 2022.

Directed by Nicholas Hytner, the production features set design by Mark Thompson, costumes by Yvonne Milnes, sound by George Dennis and lighting by Max Narula. 

Raffish, urbane and frequently drunk, David Highland has kept a grip on his remote coastal parish through a combination of disordered charm and high-handed determination. But when his faith impels him to take a hard line with a bereaved parishioner, he finds himself dangerously isolated from public opinion. As his own family begins to fracture and his marriage falls apart, David must face a future that threatens to extinguish not only his position in the town, but everything he stands for.

Stephen Beresford’s darkly comic new play is an exploration of family and community, the savage divisions of contemporary society and the rituals that punctuate our lives.

Priority booking for the Bridge run is open now, with public booking opening at 10am on 16 November 2021 here. Tickets for the Chichester run will go on sale in early Spring.