Saturday 14 November 2026
The Almeida Theatre in Islington has announced the full cast for the world premiere of Caryl Churchill‘s Three and a Bit, a number of biting new plays directed by James Macdonald. Matthew Beard, Lucy Black, Seamus Dillane, Louisa Harland, Lola Jenkins, Tom Kanji, Assa Kanouté, Bill Milner and Jonathan Slinger lead the company. Previews begin on Thursday 14 January 2027, with press night on Thursday 21 January and a run until Saturday 13 March. Here are five things to know.
1. A strong ensemble, including two young actors sharing one role
The nine adult cast members bring a wide range of stage and screen experience. Matthew Beard returns to the Almeida having appeared in Triumph, while Lucy Black’s credits include Top Girls and Till the Stars Come Down at the National Theatre. Seamus Dillane has appeared in Arcadia at The Old Vic and in the West End, and Tom Kanji has worked extensively at Shakespeare’s Globe. Assa Kanouté was nominated for The Stage Debut award for Much Ado About Nothing at the Globe, and Lola Jenkins makes her professional stage debut. Edward Butler and Artie Wilkinson-Hunt complete the company, alternating the child role.
2. The plays come wrapped in intriguing questions
True to form, the Almeida is keeping plot details mysterious. Three and a Bit is a number of new plays performed together, and the theatre teases them with a series of questions. Has Dex met a conjuror with something up his sleeve, or someone much worse? What did Pete do to afford a second-hand robot? Dance with Uncle, or what might happen to you? And finally, there’s “a day that can only get better”. The announcement also opens with a snatch of dialogue: “Go on then. You’re sure you want to? I want to see if you can because I’m sure you can’t.” Illusions by Chris Fisher hint at a little stage magic too.
3. Caryl Churchill returns after the sold-out Triumph
Caryl Churchill comes back to the Almeida following the sold-out success of Triumph. She has been called Britain’s “most influential playwright” by The Huffington Post, and her plays include Light Shining in Buckinghamshire, Cloud 9, Top Girls, Fen, Serious Money, Blue Heart, Far Away, A Number, Love and Information, Escaped Alone and What If If Only. Three and a Bit is a world premiere, so this is a rare chance to see brand-new work from one of the most important writers in British theatre. It also launches Dominic Cooke’s inaugural season as Artistic Director of the Almeida, making it a significant moment for the Islington theatre.
4. James Macdonald directs, with a top creative team
Director James Macdonald returns to the Almeida having previously directed Triumph, Christmas Day, Bakkhai, A Delicate Balance, Judgment Day and The Triumph of Love. He was Associate Director at the Royal Court from 1992 to 2006, and his other credits include Waiting for Godot, Infinite Life at the National Theatre and The Children at the Royal Court and on Broadway. He’s joined by set designer Miriam Buether, costume designer Evie Gurney, lighting designer Paule Constable and sound designer Christopher Shutt. Illusions are by Chris Fisher, casting is by Amy Ball CDG, voice coaching by Hazel Holder and the assistant director is Marlie Haco.
5. Plenty of familiar faces from film and TV
Screen fans will spot plenty of well-known names. Matthew Beard earned a Tony nomination for Skylight and has appeared in The Imitation Game and Only Murders in the Building. Louisa Harland is best known from Derry Girls, and her film credits include Hamnet. Bill Milner’s credits include Dunkirk, 3 Body Problem and A Small Light, while Jonathan Slinger has been seen in I May Destroy You, The Sandman and A Gentleman in Moscow, and recently played King Lear at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. Artie Wilkinson-Hunt won the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Child Performance for The Land of the Living at the National Theatre.
Book
Three and a Bit by Caryl Churchill
Almeida Theatre, Almeida Street, London N1 1TA
Thursday 14 January – Saturday 13 March 2027
Press night: Thursday 21 January, 7pm
Evenings 7.30pm, matinees 2pm
BSL interpreted: Monday 8 February, 7.30pm
Captioned: Friday 12 February, 7.30pm
Audio described: Saturday 20 February, 2pm (touch tour 12pm)
Relaxed environment: Wednesday 24 February, 2pm and 7.30pm
Box office: almeida.co.uk or 020 7359 4404
Nearest Tube: Angel / Highbury & Islington