Cast Revealed for Pilot Theatre’s ‘A Song for Ella Grey’

Pilot Theatre, in collaboration with Northern Stage and York Theatre Royal, has unveiled the entire cast for its imminent production of A Song for Ella Grey. This fresh adaptation of David Almond’s award-winning novel by Zoe Cooper offers a modern twist on the timeless Orpheus myth, with Esther Richardson directing.

The Stellar Ensemble

Actress and renowned TikTok sensation Grace Long, known to her 729.1k followers and for her roles in Breeders and Three Days Millionaire, takes centre stage as Ella Grey. She is joined by Beth Crame, famous for her role in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, as Angeline; Jonathan Iceton, known for Down the Lines, as Jay; Amonik Merlaco, previously seen in Singin’ In The Rain and Heathers The Musical, as Sam; and Olivia Onyehara, acclaimed for her performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, as Claire.

The Tale

Claire and Ella Grey are average children from everyday families, living in a humdrum world. Their lives consist of falling in love, creating music, dancing, gazing at celestial bodies, and hosting gatherings on Northumberland’s stunning shores.

However, their lives are forever altered when a mysterious musician named Orpheus captivates them, particularly Ella. This pivotal encounter introduces an element of the extraordinary into their otherwise ordinary lives.

A Modern Myth

A Song for Ella Grey harmonises the lives of contemporary youths with the resonance of ancient tales—stories that have been told since the beginning of time and continue to be narrated today.

Director’s Statement

“I am absolutely thrilled to be working with this incredible team of actors. This was a long casting process, and we met many extraordinary performers through our open call in the summer. We are so grateful to everyone who threw their hat in the ring for the production and excited and honoured to be beginning the process of staging the show with such a wellspring of North Eastern talent.”

Show Dates

The production makes its debut in 2024, beginning at Northern Stage in Newcastle from 1-15 February. It then proceeds to York Theatre Royal (20-24 February), Theatre Peckham (27 February-2 March), Hull Truck Theatre (5-9 March), Liverpool Playhouse (13-16 March), and concludes at Yvonne Arnaud Guildford (19-23 March).

For further details about A Song for Ella Grey, visit www.pilot-theatre.com.

Top image: L-R Grace Long, Jonathan Iceton, Olivia Onyehara, Amonik Merlaco & Beth Crame – The cast of A Song for Ella Grey – image by Olivia Brabbs