Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for Red Peppers / Aged in Wood at Theatre at the Tabard
OnBook Theatre is set to present a captivating double bill at Theatre at the Tabard from 28 May to 21 June 2025. Red Peppers / Aged in Wood features a timeless one-act play by Noël Coward, paired with a brand-new play by Cian Griffin, offering a unique backstage glimpse into the world of theatre. Directed by Jason Moore, this production brings to life the comedy and drama of backstage life, with a cast of six actors portraying characters in two different eras — nearly a century apart.
Cast Announcement
Red Peppers / Aged In Wood Cast - Rhys Cannon, Jessica Martin, Dominic McChesney, Jason Moore, Jon Osbaldeston and Emma Vansittart.
The productions will star Jessica Martin, known for her work on Spitting Image and her role as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard in the West End. She will be joined by Jon Osbaldeston, Emma Vansittart, John Craggs, Dominic McChesney, and Rhys Cannon, who make up the talented ensemble cast.
The first half of the double bill, Red Peppers, is a comedic one-act play by Noël Coward, in which a husband-and-wife musical double act experience backstage bickering and squabbles. This segment is followed by Aged in Wood, a contemporary play set 90 years later, where the same six actors portray the backstage drama of a modern production, filled with ego clashes, backstage politics, and personal challenges.
Red Peppers / Aged in Wood: Two Acts of Backstage Comedy and Drama
The first play, Red Peppers, written by Noël Coward, showcases the amusing and sometimes absurd life of a fading music hall double act. The husband and wife duo performs a series of musical numbers, but the audience is just as entertained by their backstage quarrels and interpersonal dynamics.
The second play, Aged in Wood, written by Cian Griffin, picks up 90 years later in the same backstage dressing room. The play follows Deena Ames, a leading lady facing an uphill battle against her agents, directors, and a cast of problematic characters, including a willful son and a temperamental leading man. Though the characters and situations have changed over the years, the backstage squabbles and drama remain remarkably similar.
Director Jason Moore shared his excitement about the production, saying, "Aged in Wood is the first original play produced by OnBook Theatre, and it’s thrilling to bring it to life with this fantastic team. The play balances comedy and pathos, giving the audience both laughter and heartfelt moments, while celebrating the golden age of farce and comedy, with a modern twist."
The OnBook Theatre Company and Creative Team
OnBook Theatre, founded by Jason Moore and Ian Nicholas, is known for its high-quality productions from both established and emerging playwrights. Their past productions include God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza and Landscape with Weapon by Joe Penhall, among others.
For Red Peppers / Aged in Wood, Ian Nicholas has designed the sets and costumes, while Jonny Danciger provides the lighting design. Fintan Davies will operate the lighting, ensuring a seamless visual experience. The new play, Aged in Wood, marks another exciting step for OnBook Theatre, whose upcoming projects include Lee, a new play about artist Lee Krasner, which will be presented at Park Theatre in September 2025.
Performance Schedule and Ticket Information
Red Peppers / Aged in Wood will run from 28 May to 21 June 2025, with performances scheduled for:
Wednesdays – Fridays at 7.30pm
Saturdays at 2.00pm and 6.00pm
The press night for the show will be on 4 June 2025 at 7.30pm.
Tickets are available now, and with the show featuring a dynamic cast and two fascinating plays, this double bill promises to be a must-see for theatre lovers.
The Theatre at the Tabard is located at 2 Bath Road, London W4 1LW.
A Perfect Night of Theatre: Combining the Classics with New Writing
If you're a fan of backstage drama, timeless comedy, and the brilliant work of Noël Coward, combined with a fresh perspective on modern theatre from Cian Griffin, Red Peppers / Aged in Wood promises a captivating and entertaining night out. Whether you’re discovering Coward’s classic piece for the first time or you’re drawn to the exciting world of new writing, this production offers something for everyone.
