Barney Norris’ gripping adaptation of Blood Wedding is set to dazzle audiences at Clapham’s Omnibus Theatre, opening on Wednesday, 30 April and running until Saturday, 24 May.
Presented by Two’s Company and Karl Sydow in association with Tilly Films, this London premiere reimagines Federico García Lorca’s passionate Spanish classic, bringing its timeless intensity to the heart of contemporary England.
A Tale of Love, Betrayal, and Fate
Set in a rural village on the edge of Salisbury Plain, Blood Wedding explores heightened emotions, unfulfilled longings, and the clash between choice and destiny. Georgie, a 22-year-old bride-to-be, finds herself torn between her fiancé, Rob, and her ex-lover, Lee. What begins as a wedding filled with joy and anticipation quickly takes a dark and ominous turn, as Norris weaves a tale of dreams, heartbreak, and the inevitable consequences of following one’s instincts.
Taking inspiration from Lorca’s original 1932 play, Norris infuses the story with a uniquely modern perspective, capturing the dreams and fears that resonate with young couples today. Reflecting on his adaptation, he muses on the role of comedy within the tragedy, stating, “Comedy makes us feel things more deeply. Comedy activates us. And comedy is the English ‘duende’. Lorca’s ‘duende’ comes from the soil of Spain to the soles of people’s feet. Ours is made of laughter.”
The Stellar Creative Team and Cast
Crafting this layered production is director Tricia Thorns, alongside a talented creative team that includes Alex Marker on set design, Carla Joy Evans on costume design, Neill Brinkworth on lighting design, and Dominic Bilkey on sound design. Together, they capture the raw beauty and emotional depth at the heart of Norris’ interpretation.
A stellar cast brings the play to life, featuring Alix Dunmore (The 39 Steps, West End; Sister Boniface, TV), David Fielder (Small Island, National Theatre; The Cleaner, TV), Esme Lonsdale (Arthur’s Whisky, feature film), Kiefer Moriarty (Magic Goes Wrong, UK Tour; The Velveteen Rabbit, feature film), Christopher Neenan in his professional stage debut, and Nell Williams (Game of Thrones, Huntington, feature film). Their dynamic performances promise to deliver a powerful and unforgettable theatre experience.
A Modern Twist on a Classic
Blood Wedding offers comedy and tragedy intertwined in a tale of timeless human emotions. Norris has modernised Lorca’s themes of love and betrayal while staying true to the original play’s soulful essence. The production feels fresh yet familiar, making it a poignant exploration of what it means to follow the “one pure thing”—what lies in our hearts.
Supported by the Boris Karloff Charitable Foundation, the John S Cohen Foundation, and the Unity Theatre Trust, the production exemplifies a collaborative effort to bring timeless stories to the stage in a way that captivates today’s audiences.
Don’t Miss Out
Blood Wedding runs from 30 April to 24 May, with performances Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, Saturday matinees at 2.30pm, and Sunday performances at 4pm. Tickets are priced at £20 standard, £18 concession, and £15 for previews.
Whether you’re drawn to the poetic brilliance of Lorca or eager to experience how Norris has reimagined his work for modern England, this Blood Wedding promises to be a must-see production. Book your tickets now at Omnibus Theatre and secure your seat for an unforgettable evening of passion, betrayal, and electrifying drama.
Come ready to laugh, cry, and reflect on the love and losses that shape us all.