Jessie Buckley, known for her Oscar-nominated role in “The Lost Daughter,” joins a stellar lineup of guest stars for the 20th-anniversary run of Tim Crouch’s innovative play “An Oak Tree” at The Young Vic in London. Scheduled to run from May 6-24, the production features a dynamic ensemble cast including Adjoa Andoh of “Bridgerton” fame, Mark Gatiss from “The League of Gentlemen,” “Broadchurch” actor Arthur Darvill, Julie Hesmondhalgh of “Mr Bates vs The Post Office,” and Alex Lawther known for “The End of the F***ing World.” The play promises an unforgettable experience as these accomplished actors take the stage opposite Crouch in this unique theatrical experiment.
In the tradition of bold theatrical experiments, “An Oak Tree” pioneered the dramatic “cold-reading” method. Each night, a guest artist takes the stage without prior preparation, having neither read nor rehearsed the play beforehand, making each performance a one-of-a-kind experience. This risk-taking performance style has intrigued audiences since its debut in 2005, traveling to over 19 countries with more than 350 different guest artists, including celebrated personalities like Frances McDormand, Geoffrey Rush, and Alanis Morissette.
The production is a heartfelt journey exploring loss and connection. It unfolds the story of a father grappling with the death of his daughter in a tragic car accident. The plot takes an emotional turn when the father encounters the stage hypnotist responsible for the accident, during a performance where roles and realities blur. This narrative sets a foundation for profound and spontaneous interaction on stage, a vivid testament to theater’s ability to create intimate human connections under extraordinary circumstances.
Crouch, who co-directs alongside Karl James and Andy Smith, reflects on the play’s origins, stating: “Exactly twenty years ago a laboratory was created in a small room above a pub in South London where an experiment took place.” He recounts how this experiment began with actors facing the unknown, akin to a “blind test,” venturing without prior knowledge of their roles. Such radical and raw performances have ushered “An Oak Tree” through various cultural landscapes from London, New York, and Los Angeles to Moscow and regions across South America, Australia, and Asia.
Francesca Moody Productions, lauded for hits like “Fleabag” and “Baby Reindeer,” in association with The Young Vic, presents this anniversary production. Crouch is joined by collaborators old and new, crafting a renewed iteration of a play that remains as unpredictable as it is transformative. Accompanied by an evocative musical score from Peter Gill, audiences are set to witness a vibrant theatrical narrative, showcasing the nuances of performance and human psychology.
Looking ahead, Jessie Buckley’s involvement adds a fresh dynamic, underscoring the play’s resonance with contemporary audiences hungry for innovative and urgent storytelling. As “An Oak Tree” embarks on another chapter in its fascinating journey, it continues to challenge conventional theater, leaving both its performers and audiences steeped in a blend of anticipation, emotional depth, and narrative surprise. This iteration promises to uphold the rich tradition of daring theatrical exploration, offering insight into how stories can continuously evolve on stage.
