Play by the toast of New York comes to York Theatre Royal

“The Brits are coming!” is a war cry that came to nothing in the movie world, but had it been uttered in theatrical circles, this would be considered the year the premonition was fulfilled.

The Tony Awards, which reward the best of theatre on New York’s Broadway, were ruled this year by two British productions – the National Theatre’s War Horse and Jerusalem, the latest from playwright Jez Butterworth.

The writer has been hailed not just across the Atlantic, but vociferously and sustainedly for his achievement with Jerusalem, widely regarded as one of the most critically acclaimed plays of the past decade.

Whichever theatre snaps up Jerusalem in its first production outside London has a guaranteed hit on their hands, but Yorkshire audiences can see Butterworth’s work sooner than that, when his play Parlour Song is given its first UK performance since its premiere in London 2009.

The play is perfectly timed, with interest in Butterworth never higher, and is part of the ensemble season currently employing a whole raft of actors at York Theatre Royal.

The three-hander features an interesting collection of dynamics, with real life husband and wife team Simeon Truby and Helen Kay playing a married couple, and Stephen Billington playing a man who has an affair with Helen’s character. Audiences confusingly also saw Helen and Stephen playing a married couple in the York production of The Crucible in May at the launch of the ensemble season.

Confused? The actors aren’t.

Stephen Billington, best known for playing Greg Kelly in Coronation Street, says: “It’s what you train for, it really is wonderful to get to play such a variety of roles in one theatre.

“Although, working in rep means that you rehearse one show during the day and perform another at night, so there hasn’t really been much free time. When Parlour Song starts, I’ll have my days free so I might actually get time to see some of York in the daylight.”

Billington says the actors are well aware of the success of Jerusalem and that it may well be a welcome boost to their production. “It was by far my favourite play of last year and getting to perform his dialogue is such a gift for an actor. It is a brilliant play.”

The intimate play tells the story of a relationship breaking down inside a seemingly anonymous house on a middle-class housing estate, but says so much more about society and relationships.

Kay is similarly enjoying being a part of the ensemble season. “When you are rehearsing so many different parts, you wonder how all the lines stay in. Somehow they do.”

Jez’s path to Broadway fame

Jez Butterworth’s first play, Mojo, opened at the Royal Court in 1995 and was hailed as the greatest debut in 50 years. In 2001 he wrote Birthday Girl, starring Nicole Kidman, before returning to theatre for his next two pieces. Jerusalem opened at the Royal Court in 2009. Parlour Song, York Theatre Royal, to Jul 23. 01904 623568.