It’s A Sin star Omari Douglas and The Nevers actor James Norton has joined the West End adaptation of A Little Life.
Based on the Hanya Yanagihara novel of the same name, the tragic story follows four college friends – Jude, Willem, JB and Malcolm – as they navigate life while living in New York City.
The story also explores various hard-hitting topics, including race, self-harm, abuse, addiction and friendship.
According to a report from the BBC, Norton is set to play Jude, with Douglas signing on as JB.
In addition to the two aforementioned actors, Bridgerton’s Luke Thompson and You star Zach Wyatt have been tapped to play Willem and Malcolm, respectively.
The West End iteration of A Little Life is now the second official adaptation to hit the main stage.
Back in 2018, the Dutch version – which was adapted by Koen Tachelet – debuted in the Netherlands, to critical acclaim.
Due to its success, the Ian van Hove-directed production made its way to the Edinburgh International Festival and Brooklyn Academy of Music for one-off performances.
For the English-language version, van Hove is set to make his return as the show’s director.
In an interview with the BBC, the esteemed creative opened up about adapting the show for the West End and the book’s impact.
“The book is a kind of a mystery because it became a huge bestseller. It’s a little bit strange because it talks about cruel things, about a traumatic experience that haunts somebody for the rest of their life,” he explained.
“But after all these years, every night, theaters are full, people are moved, sometimes angry, but it creates a very visceral reaction towards it.”
Towards the end of his interview, van Hove expressed his excitement to direct Norton, Douglas, Thompson and Wyatt.
“I think I have a very good team of actors. I really took my time to talk to people, do auditions, because it’s very intense to play it, and I hope I have found a group that can trust each other,” he added.
The West End adaptation of A Little Life is set to run from 25 March to 18 June at the Harold Pinter Theatre.
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