A sensational cast has been announced for an upcoming virtual table-read of Brandon Thomas’s acclaimed farce Charley’s Aunt. The proceeds from the performance on 11 April will go to the Equity Charitable Fund, which continues to offer financial and emotional support to those in the theatre industry who need it. 

Giles Brandreth and Gary Wilmot MBE will lead the charge. They will be accompanied by Issy van Randwyck (The Boyfriend, Blithe Spirit), London’s current Alexander Hamilton, Karl Queensborough, Ruby Bentall (Poldark, Lark Rise to Candleford), Will Hislop (Military Wives, Gangs of London), Oliver Beamish (Coronation Street), Skye Hallam (The Skin Game), Ed MacArthur (Murder for Two), and recent Drama Centre London graduate Katie Okehurst. 

Charley’s Aunt, adapted by Paul Thain, follows two Oxford undergraduates who attempt to charm two girls by inviting them over for lunch with Charley’s Aunt. When her visit is unexpectedly postponed, they persuade Lord Fancourt, a fellow student, to impersonate the Aunt instead and hilarity ensues. 

Artistic Director Jimmy Walters says, “We are so excited for this wonderful cast to read Charley’s Aunt. It is one of the most popular comedies of all time and the perfect play for now. We are also delighted to be raising donations for the Equity Charitable Trust; a wonderful charity that offers care and financial support to those in our industry who really need it. Your collective support is appreciated beyond words. Thank you.”

The show will be available to stream here at 7:30pm on 11 April with a running time of 85 minutes. Although the stream is free, donations to the Equity Charitable Fund are greatly appreciated. You can find out more about the charity here.