**Susan Sarandon Brings Hollywood Star Power to London’s Old Vic in Theatrical Debut**
Susan Sarandon, the acclaimed American actress and Oscar-winner, is set to step onto the London stage for the first time this autumn, marking a significant milestone in her long and storied career. The award-winning performer has expressed both excitement and anxiety about making her UK theatre debut at the prestigious Old Vic, describing herself as “terrified but excited” about what lies ahead.
Sarandon will share the title role in *Mary Page Marlowe*, the critically-lauded play by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts. The narrative, constructed as a sweeping “time-jumping mosaic”, examines seventy years in the life of its protagonist, Mary Page Marlowe. In a creative twist, both Sarandon and British actress Andrea Riseborough will portray Mary at different stages of her eventful life, with additional casting yet to be revealed.
Despite enjoying enormous success on Broadway, with a wealth of theatrical experience in the United States and, most notably, an Oscar for her performance in *Atlantic City*, Sarandon has never performed live to a British audience until now. This upcoming run, therefore, is a landmark both for her and for UK theatre-goers, eager to witness her talents up close.
Sarandon is not the only luminary involved in the production. Andrea Riseborough, herself no stranger to critical accolades, will join Sarandon in bringing Mary Page Marlowe’s story to life. Riseborough, known for celebrated roles in *To Leslie* and *The Long Walk to Finchley*, returns to the stage after a significant fifteen-year hiatus, making her participation in this production an eagerly-anticipated event in its own right.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Sarandon shared her anticipation: “It’s such a privilege to be invited to take part in a stage production during Matthew Warchus’ final season at The Old Vic. Although I’m filled with nerves, it’s impossible not to feel immensely excited by the prospect.” Her words underscore both the honour and the unpredictability of tackling live theatre, an art form where every performance is unique and immediate.
The play itself will be staged entirely in-the-round, meaning the audience will encircle the action from all sides. This immersive configuration will transform The Old Vic’s historic 200-year-old auditorium, making for a theatre experience that’s intimate and engrossing for all in attendance. Artistic director Matthew Warchus, who is overseeing his last season at the venue, expressed his enthusiasm for this innovative staging. “Launching my final season with a work from a playwright of Tracy Letts’ calibre, and two such tremendous actresses as Susan and Andrea, is truly a privilege. I’m particularly eager to welcome audiences into our reimagined, fully in-the-round theatre for what promises to be a memorable run.”
Riseborough also spoke about her involvement, saying, “Bringing Mary to life, alongside the remarkable Susan Sarandon, is a genuine honour. I’m deeply grateful to collaborate once again with Matthew Warchus and to finally have the chance to work at The Old Vic – a theatre renowned for its atmosphere and history.”
*Mary Page Marlowe* initially premiered at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre in 2016 before making its way Off-Broadway in 2018. Its UK debut, therefore, carries high expectations, both from theatre critics and audiences familiar with Letts’ reputation for insightful, emotionally-charged writing.
The production is scheduled to run at The Old Vic between 23 September and 1 November. Tickets are currently available to members, with public sales opening at midday, Friday. Given the star-studded cast and unique staging, demand is expected to be strong.
The theatre world will undoubtedly watch closely as Sarandon and Riseborough tackle this challenging and poignant piece, and London audiences can look forward to an autumn highlight with this much-anticipated show.