Right, listen — I’ve pulled something out me satchel today that smells like wet stone, Scout huts, and that very specific Midlands kind of growing-up where you’re somehow tough as owt… and still one song away from crying into a cup of tea.
It’s called The King Stone, and it’s a brand-new play rooted in the East Midlands — not the “ooh isn’t the countryside pretty” version, but the real one. The one where places hold memories, and the land keeps receipts.
This world premiere opens at Curve, Leicester (19–21 February), then heads out touring Midlands theatres until 8 March — and the cast and creatives have now been announced.
Who’s in it then?
The production stars Calum Lill as Phil and Charlotte East as Kristen. You might recognise Calum from Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, and Charlotte from theatre credits including Henry V, Pakit In and Twelfth Night.
But here’s the bit that makes my ears perk up: The King Stone is also Charlotte East’s debut play — and it’s been four years in the making. Not a quick scribble on the bus. This is a story that’s been lived with, worried over, and carefully shaped.
Charlotte’s said she’s thrilled to finally introduce us to Kristen and Phil’s story — and honestly, you can feel how much this one matters.
A Midlands story told by Midlands people
The play has been developed with support from the National Theatre’s Generate programme, alongside Nottingham Playhouse, Mansfield Palace and Curve, and it’s directed by Hannah Stone, whose previous work includes The Trials and SheWolves.
And here’s the lovely full-circle bit: both Charlotte East and Hannah Stone grew up in Derbyshire, meaning this production isn’t just set in the area — it’s connected to it. That push-and-pull of home. The pull of leaving. The tug of going back. The “I’m fine” that isn’t fine.
Hannah’s said that as soon as she read the play, she was drawn into its complex characters and beautiful imagery, and that she really relates to the feeling of home having a grip on you even when you’re trying to get on with your life.
So what’s it about?
Set in the Derbyshire Peak District, around The Nine Ladies stone circle, The King Stone follows Kristen and Phil, a mismatched pair who keep circling each other through Scouts, school, and the awkward growing pains of adulthood.
They’re that kind of duo who can’t quite stay together… but can’t quite get away from each other either. And when the bond between them starts to strain, they’re forced to reckon with expectations — other people’s, their own, and the invisible rules you grow up swallowing without even realising.
Calum Lill says Charlotte’s writing moved him so much he wanted to be involved straight away, calling it a beautiful working-class story and admitting it was an emotional rollercoaster just to read. Watching it on stage, he promises, will be a treat.
The team behind the world
The creative team includes set and costume design by Hazel Low, lighting and projection design by Megan Lucas, composer and sound design by Ellie Isherwood, and movement direction by AK Golding.
So we’re looking at intimate storytelling with proper atmosphere — light, sound and movement — where the landscape isn’t just a backdrop, it’s practically another character.
Where’s it going?
After Leicester, the tour visits places closely connected to the world of the play, including Stafford’s Gatehouse Theatre, Nottingham Playhouse, Chesterfield Rose Theatre and Derby Theatre.
Produced by ADMA Productions and funded by Arts Council England, National Lottery Awards for All, Derby Council and Unity Theatre Trust, The King Stone is described as a tender exploration of home, mental health, and the first love that haunts.
And honestly? If a play can bottle that Midlands ache — the love, the grit, the ghosts of who you used to be — I’m already interested.
The King Stone opens at Curve, Leicester from 19–21 February and tours until 8 March. Tickets are on sale now via Curve.
Grace’s little satchel note:
Some stories don’t shout. They sit with you like stone. And you feel them under your feet long after you’ve walked away.
The tour of THE KING STONE opens at Curve 19 to 21 February. Tickets are on sale now. To find out more and book, visit www.curveonline.co.uk, call 0116 242 3595 or visit Curve’s Box Office in-person.
Tour Dates
19 – 21 February Leicester
Curve Theatre, Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1SB
https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/the-king-stone/
23 – 24 February Stafford
Gatehouse Theatre, Eastgate Street, Stafford, ST16 2LT
https://www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk/whatson-event/the-king-stone/
26 – 28 February Nottingham
Nottingham Playhouse, Wellington Circus NG1 5AF
https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/the-king-stone/
3 – 4 March London
Bridewell Theatre
St Bride Foundation, Bride Lane, Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 8EQ
www.sbf.org.uk
6 March Chesterfield
Rose Theatre, Chesterfield, S40 1LW
https://www.chesterfieldstudios.co.uk/what-s-on
8 March Derby
Normanton Library Theatre, Normanton, Almond St, Derby DE23 6LX
https://derbytheatre.co.uk/event/the-king-stone/
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