The announcement of the full cast for the world premiere of Mark Giesser’s *The Devil May Care* is exciting. This original adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s *The Devil’s Disciple* is set against the compelling backdrop of the Philippine-American War, exploring themes of imperial power, racial intolerance, and moral dilemmas. It delves into the profound question central to war: who is truly good or evil?
Leading this remarkable cast are Callum Woodhouse, known for his captivating roles in *All Creatures Great and Small* and *The Durrells*, Beth Burrows, celebrated for her award-winning performances in London theatres, and Richard Lynson with his extensive stage experience. The supporting ensemble includes talented actors like Jill Greenacre, Enzo Benvenuti, and Izyan Hay.
In a gripping tale of mistaken identity set in a small Philippine town under US military occupation, Richard Conroe faces arrest as an English minister accused of treason. Judith, determined to unveil the truth despite its deadly consequences for her husband, finds herself entangled with Richard’s mysterious willingness to sacrifice himself.
Director Mark Giesser comments, Both in Shaw’s play and in my adaptation, the two principal
characters of Richard, the ‘Devil’s disciple’, and Judith, the minister’s wife, are faced with the
question of sacrifice. For Richard, it’s discovering if he’s capable of forfeiting his life to
demonstrate a personal honour with which he isn’t credited and may not care about. For Judith,
it’s discovering whether she has the capacity to allow an innocent man to die in place of her
husband. Both Callum Woodhouse and Beth Burrows are actors of depth and sensitivity who can
wrestle with these questions while also expressing the nuances of Shavian irony in the story.
The Devil’s Disciple was the play that took George Bernard Shaw from drama critic to
professional playwright, owing to its commercial success, yet today it is rarely adapted for the
modern stage. This is in spite of a glittering film history, with notable adaptations including the
1959 Hollywood production starring Kirk Douglas, Burt Lancaster and Laurence Olivier, and a
1987 BBC television production with Patrick Stewart in the lead role. Giesser’s production brings
it back to the London stage at last.
The Devil May Care is produced by Alces Productions
Tickets Tickets are available priced £25 (£20 concessions). Tickets to
Pioneers’ Preview (8th January) will be priced at £10. Previews
priced at £16 from The Devil May Care – Southwark Playhouse
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