A Matter of Life and Death Stage Adaptation Announces Full Cast
The New Vic Theatre has revealed casting for its highly anticipated adaptation of A Matter of Life and Death, set to run from 28 March to 19 April 2025.
A Classic Film Brought to the Stage
This new production is adapted and directed by the New Vic’s artistic director, Theresa Heskins, based on the 1946 film by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.
The story follows British pilot Peter Carter, who miraculously survives after jumping from his burning plane without a parachute. He falls in love with June, an American radio operator, but soon learns that his survival was the result of a celestial mistake. Summoned to a heavenly court, Peter must argue for his right to live.
Cast and Creative Team
The production features a 16-strong ensemble cast and a ten-piece swing band. The full cast includes:
Thomas Dennis (War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) as Peter
Kaylah Copeland (Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Misérables) as June
Michael Hugo (Marvellous, The 39 Steps) as Conductor 71
Alexander Bean (The Book Thief) as Judge/Airman
Morgan Burgess as Abraham Farlan
Polly Lister (Jane Eyre, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice) as Doc
Sufia Manya as Dr Liza/musician
Jenny Murphy as Section Officer/musician
Jessica Jolleys as Chief Recorder/musician
Jack Heydon as Dog Walker/musician
Elliot Parchment-Morrison as Bob Trubshawe/musician
Luke Thornton (Professor Brian Cox/voice, Airman)
Lucy Wells as Ents Officer/musician
Howard Gray as Musical Director
Creative Team
Set & Costume Design – Laura McEwen (Around the World in 80 Days)
Musical Direction & Composition – Akintayo Akinbode (The Wife of Willesden)
Lighting Design – Alexandra Stafford (The Snow Queen)
Sound Design – Alex Day (The Trials)
Choreography – Beverley Norris-Edmunds (The Nutcracker)
Projections – Illuminos
Vocal Coach – Caroline Hetherington
Casting Director – Anji Carroll
Staff Director – Polly Wain
Director’s Vision
Heskins expressed excitement about staging the play, noting the complexity of shifting between earth, eternity, and an otherworldly in-between. She said:
“Our cast and creative team are relishing the challenge of finding innovative ways to bring some of Powell and Pressburger’s iconic scenes to life on stage.”
She also highlighted the timeless nature of the story, explaining:
“The original film premiered in 1946, yet the story feels especially relevant to today. It’s a narrative about questioning one’s right to live and love, and we can’t wait to share it with audiences.”
Performance Details
Venue: New Vic Theatre, Staffordshire
Dates: 28 March – 19 April 2025
Tickets: Available via the New Vic Theatre website
This ambitious stage adaptation promises to bring spectacular visuals, a stirring narrative, and live music to one of cinema’s most beloved fantasy dramas.
