The award-winning actresses are the first of the cast to be announced for a major stage revival of August: Osage County which opens at the Noël Coward Theatre in January 2027.
Regarded as one of the defining plays of the 21st century, August: Osage County was first performed by Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre company in 2007 before runs on Broadway and at the National Theatre in London.
The family drama, written by Tracy Letts, has been awarded the Pulitzer Prize and won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2008. The new production will mark the play’s first major stage revival since its premiere and will open for a limited 12-week run on 18th January until 10th April.
Two-time Olivier Award winner and 2026 Tony Award Best Actress winner, Lesley Manville will star as matriarch Violet Weston. Lesley is best known for her Tony award-winning performance for Jocasta in Oedipus on Broadway, Emmy and BAFTA-nominated role as Princess Margaret in The Crown and her Academy Award and BAFTA-nominated role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s film Phantom Thread.
On the role, Lesley Manville said: “I’m delighted to be taking on August: Osage County with Jeremy Herrin directing. It’s an epic piece of American literature written by the truly great Tracy Letts.
“It has not been seen in London for almost 20 years, so I cannot wait to bring this complex, funny, tragic, ultimate family saga to the West End and create the matriarch, Violet Weston.”
Starring alongside her will be Anna Maxwell Martin as her daughter, Barbara Fordham. Instantly recognisable for her many TV appearances, Anna’s prolific career has earned her two BAFTA awards - Best Actress for Bleak House and Poppy Shakespeare - alongside four further nominations, including Best Female Comedy Performance for the hit BBC series Motherland.
About the play
Following a sudden family crisis, the fiercely dysfunctional Weston family reunites at their Oklahoma home. As old wounds reopen and long-buried secrets come to light, simmering resentments in this unfiltered portrait of family life.
By turns darkly funny and deeply moving, Tracy Letts’ modern masterpiece is packed with unforgettable characters, blistering dialogue and explosive family truths.
August: Osage County was adapted as a feature film in 2013 starring Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts and Benedict Cumberbatch. The film earned multiple nominations at the Oscars, Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards.
Tickets are available now - groups of ten or more can get discounted tickets for Monday - Thursday performances including midweek matinees. Accelerator rates are also available for bookings made before 30th September for select performances.
Find out more about the play at: augustosagecountyplay.com.
