The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre has revealed the full cast for a new production of Lucy Kirkwood’s The Children, marking a decade since the play’s debut. Directed by the venue’s Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan, the production runs from 2 September to 3 October 2026, with tickets available now at lyric.co.uk.
Olivier Award-nominated actress Meera Syal, previously announced in the role of Hazel, will be joined by Declan Conlon as Robin and Kerry Fox as Rose. Conlon’s stage credits include Faith Healer and The Playboy of the Western World, whilst Fox is known for productions including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and the film Shallow Grave. Both Syal and Conlon are returning to the Lyric Hammersmith, with Fox making her debut at the venue.
O’Riordan said: “I’m very excited to announce the full cast for our 10th anniversary production of The Children by Lucy Kirkwood. We’re thrilled to have both Meera Syal and Declan Conlon returning to the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre as well as welcoming the amazing Kerry Fox for the first time. I cannot wait for audiences to experience this modern classic and to work with such an incredible company of artists.”
A play about survival, secrets and responsibility
Kirkwood’s drama centres on Hazel and Robin, a retired couple living on the fringes of a radiation exclusion zone following an unspecified catastrophe, clinging to domestic routine with yoga sessions and home-brewed parsnip wine. Their fragile equilibrium is upended when an old friend, Rose, arrives unannounced, bringing buried memories, long-kept secrets and a proposition that forces the couple to confront how much they owe to future generations.
The creative team comprises set and costume design by Gary McCann, lighting design by Anna Watson, sound design by Holly Khan, and casting by Anna Cooper CDG. Press night is scheduled for 10 September, with accessible performances including a BSL-interpreted show on 22 September, a chilled performance on 23 September, an audio-described performance on 24 September and an open-captioned performance on 30 September.
