James Corden And Anna Maxwell Martin To Lead Stage Play ‘The Constituent’ From ‘Mindhunter’ Creator Joe Penhall

The Constituent, the latest stage play from Olivier Award-winning writer Joe Penhall (Mindhunter, King of Thieves), is heading to The Old Vic in London with James Corden and Anna Maxwell (Motherland, Line of Duty) signed on to lead. 

Described as a “volatile new play,” The Constituent stars Martin as a hard-working opposition backbencher whose ideals of public office are tested by the demands of a man in crisis, played by Corden. Directed by Old Vic Artistic Director and Olivier Award winner Matthew Warchus, the production is said to “deconstruct politics, panic alarms, and the conflict between public service and personal safety.”

The Constituent will be at The Old Vic from 13 June to 10 August. Rounding out the cast is Zachary Hart (An Enemy of the People, Masters of the Air, Julius Caesar). set and costume is by Rob Howell, and lighting is by Hugh Vanstone.   

“In a theatre once mainly renowned for classic revivals, I’m excited to present The Old Vic’s 25th world premiere since my tenure began in 2015 – this urgently topical new play from Joe Penhall set in a local MP’s constituency office,” said Warchus. “In a landscape of increasing threat, what place is there for empathy? Is an open-door policy now dependent on stab vests?” 

Penhall added: “I began writing this play four years ago, as I became fascinated and appalled by the growing antipathy towards elected politicians. But during lockdown, it looked like theatre was done for, so when I showed a rough first draft to Matthew and he had such a confident vision for it, I was simultaneously thrilled and doubtful of our chances. It’s beyond exciting to be finally doing it and I feel utterly indebted to The Old Vic and everyone involved for getting us here.”