Grace Delivers: Papatango’s Prizewinner Sizzles at Park Theatre
Well, lovelies, fresh from the Theatre Village sorting office comes a parcel stamped “Handle with Care – Contains Sharp Knives.” Why? Because Papatango and Park Theatre have announced the full cast for the world première of The Meat Kings! (Inc.) of Brooklyn Heights – and trust me, this one’s going to slice right through your autumn.
Winner of the 2024 Papatango New Writing Prize, Hannah Doran’s debut is heading straight into Park200 this November. That’s no small potatoes – she beat a record-breaking 1,589 entries to grab the crown (and the commission, the royalties, the book deal, and the 5-week run… not bad for a first crack at it).
Taking their places behind the metaphorical butcher’s counter are:
- Jackie Clune as Paula, the boss with no time for nonsense.
- Marcello Cruz as JD, one eye on the prize.
- Ash Hunter as Billy, ready to fight for his future.
- Mithra Malek as T, the rookie summer hire caught in the crossfire.
- Eugene McCoy as David, hovering in those tricky in-between loyalties.
All steered by Papatango’s Artistic Director George Turvey, with design from Mona Camille, lighting by Bethany Gupwell and sound from Asaf Zohar – the stage is set to look, feel and sound like a real Brooklyn cutting room (minus the smell, thank heavens).
The play runs 30 October – 29 November, with press night on Tuesday 4 November.
So what’s on the menu? Not your Sunday roast, that’s for sure. The Meat Kings! is a razor-sharp look at immigration, loyalty and survival in a city where the dream of prosperity can turn to gristle. When the butcher’s shop struggles, someone’s bound to get the chop – but who will make the cut?
Doran follows in the footsteps of Papatango alumni who’ve gone on to scoop Oliviers, Critics’ Circle gongs, and international remounts in 33 countries. Could The Meat Kings! be the next prime cut?
I’ll be posting this one right at the top of the delivery pile – theatre with bite, blood, and ambition. And if you’re passing Park Theatre this November, keep your eyes peeled: you might just catch Grace with her satchel stuffed full of playbills and pastrami.
PERFORMANCE TIMES
Mon – Sat Evenings at 7.30pm, Thurs and Sat matinees at 3pm
Relaxed performance Thurs 13 Nov 5pm
Captioned performance Fri 21 Nov 7.30pm
Box Office: www.parktheatre.co.uk / 020 7870 6876*
*Telephone booking fee of £3 per transaction applies. All ticket prices are inclusive of a £1.50 building levy.