When It Happens to You

31 July 2024 to 31 August 2024 Park Theatre

Starring Amanda Abbington in the theatrical memoir by author Tawni O’Dell.

Amanda Abbington stars in a theatrical memoir by New York Times best-selling author Tawni O’Dell, directed by Park Theatre’s Artistic Director Jez Bond. Originally premiering Off Broadway with Tawni O’Dell playing herself, When It Happens to You is based on her lived experience as a mother holding her family together after she receives a 3am call that no mother ever wants to get. Amanda Abbington (Sherlock, Mr Selfridge) takes on the mother role of Tara, originally O’Dell’s role and renamed for the London run, and leads an ensemble cast in a show that mines the depths of human courage and the resolve to survive following a shattering incident.

Joining Amanda Abbington onstage playing her daughter will be Rosie Day best known for her role as Mary Hawkins on Outlander, Miles Molan, last seen at Park Theatre in A Single Man will be playing Connor, and completing the cast is Tok Stephen, who has just made his first appearance as Eddard Waters in House of the Dragon season 2 and is known as series regular Charley in The Larkins.

Tawni O’Dell is a bestselling author on both sides of the Atlantic with titles such as Back Roads, Coal Run and Sister Mine. Her work has been translated into fifteen languages and has been published in over forty countries.

Amanda Abbington said: “When Jez sent me When It Happens to You, I immediately read it in one sitting–I couldn’t put it down. The story is important and necessary, and the characters are nuanced, complex and completely relatable. The Mother character of Tara is a gift of a role for any actor, and I’m thrilled to be working with Jez Bond who I know will direct the piece with the care and sensitivity it deserves.

Trailer: When It Happens to You | Official Trailer - YouTube

Listings information

  • When It Happens to You: 31 July - 31 August
  • Park200, Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP
  • Previews: 31 July - 2 August £15 - £29.50
  • Mon - Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Thursday & Saturday 3pm
  • Access performance: Captioned Wednesday 28 Aug 7.30pm

Booking: purchase.parktheatre.co.uk