A revival of Brian Friel’s 1979 play Faith Healers will be live streamed from The Old Vic stage over four days in September.
Starring Micheal Sheen as Francis Hardy, a man who travels across the United Kingdom, revered for his healing powers, Faith Healers marks the third addition to the Old Vic: In Camera series, aiming to bring new theatre to people at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and bring in some much needed income to support the beloved 202-year-old venue.
Also appearing in this ‘shimmering fable of epic dimensions,’ are Indira Varma (Luther, Game of Thrones) and David Threlfall (Shameless), as Hardy’s wife and manager, respectively. The play is made up of four monologues, performed by these three characters as they recall their time on the road through tales of love, loss, and struggle.
Although this production marks Sheen’s return to the stage, he has recently had success on the small screen, starring in Good Omens opposite David Tennant, as well as playing Chris Tarrant on the recent ITV drama Quiz.
Faith Healers, described on the Old Vic’s website as “masterful” and “haunting,” premieres online on Wednesday 16th September, with tickets available from Monday 7th September. It is rated 14+ but carries a trigger warning for sensitive subject matter including miscarriage, stillbirth and reference to suicide.
Words by Matilda Head.