From 17 May– 15 June 2019

Theatre Royal Stratford East

1980s Pittsburgh, a city in decay. Against the backdrop of Reagan’s America, King, an ex-con, is trying to rebuild his life and start a family.

He’s got hopes and dreams of opening a video store and building a new life. If only he can get ten thousand dollars together, if only he can catch a break. In his dusty backyard he plots and plans with his friend Mister, but is this all a pipe dream?

Lenny Henry, who is appearing as smooth-talking hustler Elmore, is joined by Dexter Flanders (Mister), Martina Laird (Ruby), Aaron Pierre (King Hedley), Cherrelle Skeete (Tonya) and Leo Wringer (Stool Pigeon).

August Wilson’s touching and angry King Hedley II is a quest for redemption for one man and a whole community.