Billy Porter to make directorial debut at Soho Theatre

Tony award-winning performer Billy Porter is to make his London directorial debut this summer at Soho Theatre.

Porter, who is soon to host the Olivier Awards along with Beverley Knight, will direct This Bitter Earth by Harrison David Rivers, a play that follows the romance between a young black writer and his white activist lover.

The production is to run from June 18 to July 26 with a press night held on June 24, and stars It’s a Sin actor Omari Douglas and Alexander Lincoln.

Stanton Plummer-Cambridge and Luke Striffler have been engaged as their understudies.

Porter called This Bitter Earth "searingly poignant and necessary".

"I’m thrilled to be a part of bringing this very special piece to life," Porter added.

The play marks the first development project channelled through Thomas Hopkins’ independently-owned company, Thomas Hopkins Productions.

Hopkins said: "This Bitter Earth marks a significant milestone in my company’s growth as we establish our footprint in the West End.

"This production unites the extraordinary playwright Harrison David Rivers with the creative visionary force of Billy Porter as director, alongside a team of visionary artists at the pinnacle of global theatre. Together, we are creating a work the world needs: that challenges, inspires, and resonates. This Bitter Earth invites us to listen, learn, evolve, and, ultimately, heal as one."

Featuring set and costume design by Morgan Large, original composition by Sean Green and sound design by Julian Starr, This Bitter Earth is cast by Rob Kelly.

It is produced by Hopkins, Jana Robbins, Craig Haffner, Sherry Wright, Alex Deacon, Jonathan Kaldor and Kohl Beck, in association with John Rogerson and Sarig Peker.