A thought-provoking, debut play that explores the complexities of international adoption.
The cast has been announced for a heartful and thought-provoking debut play which explores the complexities of international adoption. Opening at Upstairs at the Gatehouse in February, Too Many Books, by award-winning journalist Judi Bevan, explores the complexities of international adoption and the journey of parents seeking to create a family. This intimate production sheds light on issues of identity, cultural displacement and the emotional sacrifices parents make.
The cast stars Lucy Pickles (The Wasp, The Space; Acorn, Courtyard Theatre; The Feast at Solhaug, Barons Court Theatre) as Julia and John Sackville (Go Bang Your Tambourine, Finborough Theatre; Richard III, Headlong and Bristol Old Vic; Absolute Hell, National Theatre) as Daniel. Joining them is Sue Kelvin (Wicked, Apollo Theatre; Private Lives, Gielgud Theatre; Travelling Light and A Streetcar Named Desire, National Theatre) in the role of Cynthia, with Alexandra O’Neill (Sister Boniface Mysteries, Holby City and Doctors, BBC) as Zaydee with Carol Walton (Second Hand Problems, Camden Fringe Festival; Babylon Beyond Borders, The Bush Theatre; The Crown, BBC) as Chloe.
Actor, writer and director Christopher Hunter (RSC; Pablo Saura’s Love Lost, Toby Reisz’s Nothing To Lose, Sherlock, BBC) will direct the production, supported by set and costume designer Hannah Danson and Lighting Designer Jonathan Chan.
Set in the 1990s, Too Many Books follows Julia and Daniel as they navigate bureaucratic obstacles, cultural differences and pressures on their relationship whilst adopting a child from China. As they face stringent legislation surrounding adoption at that time, the couple is subject to prejudiced views about prospective adoptive parents. Informed by lived experiences, the play spans two years, from their initial assessment through to the local council tribunal and ending with their trip to China to take home their adoptive child.
The core theme of Too Many Books centres around the desire to build a family, in which the two protagonists feel they face a wall of prejudice against this choice. Set in the 1990s, during the period of China’s one-child policy, when many Europeans and Americans were turning to overseas adoption, the play asks audiences to consider how far the adoption system addresses the needs of children when so many remain in institutional care.
Listings
Too Many Books: Thursday 26th February – 16th March 2025
Upstairs at the Gatehouse, 1 North Road, Highgate Village, London N6 4BD
£24/£22 £15 Preview (Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th February)
Tickets; Events for 26/02/2025
Further Information: Shows