Equus: Kate Mulgrew to join Daniel Radcliffeand Richard Griffiths

The stage and screen actress Kate Mulgrew has joined "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe and the Tony Award-winning actor Richard Griffiths ("The History Boys") -- in the cast of Peter Shaffer's Tony Award-winning play Equus, opening at the Boardhurst Theatre on 25 Sep 2008, following previews from 5 Sep and run through to 4 Feb 2009.

Mulgrew -- whose stage credits include her portrayal of Katherine Hepburn in the solo play "Tea at Five" is best-known for her long-running stint as Captain Janeway on the television series "Star Trek: Voyager".

Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths revive their roles for the Broadway production of Peter Shaffer's Equus, which played to full houses at London's Gielgud Theatre from 27 Feb - 9 Jun 2007

Richard Griffiths portrays Dysart, Daniel Radcliffe portrays Alan Strange, and Kate Mulgrew plays the compassionate public official who begs Dysart to take on the boy's case.

In Equus Alan Strang seems a normal, obedient 17-year old with a passion for horses. Then one night he blinds six horses with a hoof pick. What drove him to it? His life seems routine, his family loving and his pursuits harmless, and yet he has been placed under psychiatric surveillance - an unresponsive patient who is woken each night by terrible nightmares. Only psychiatrist Martin Dysart seems able to grasp the answer to this psychological puzzle.

The play caused controversy because actor Daniel Radcliffe (Alan Strang) appears in full nudity. The role almost cost Radcliffe his contract in the future 'Harry Potter' movies, with the producers initially expression concern that Radcliffe may no longer be suitable to play the 'innocent' child wizard, loved by millions of children who read JK Rowlings' popular novels.

Radcliffe is joined by fellow 'Harry Potter' movie actor Richard Griffiths, who plays psychiatrist 'Martin Dysart'. Much loved British actor Richard Griffith's came to the attention of Broadway audiences in 2006, when he played the leading role of 'Hector' in Alan Bennett's 'The History Boys', for which he received a 2006 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play.

Equus is being produced on Broadway by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers."

As in the London production Equus will be directed by Thea Sharrock, who will be making her Broadway debut. Her London credits include: 'Voyage Round My Father' (2006), 'Heroes' (2005), 'Blythe Spirit' (2004), 'Free' (2002) and 'Top Girls' (2002).

The Broadway production is designed by John Napier, with lighting design by David Hersey and sound design by Gregory Clarke.

Equus opened to mostly excellent notices when it played in London: "Powerful revival...Daniel Radcliffe brilliantly succeeds in throwing off the mantle of Harry Potter, announcing himself as a thrilling stage actor of unexpected range and depth." (Daily Telegraph); "If the production is well served by Radcliffe, he is not that well served by the production. The director, Thea Sharrock, fails too often to capture the tension in this psychological thriller... No caveats can fully detract from the punch that this powerful and haunting play still packs." (Independent); "Forget all the prurient press speculation about Harry Potter's private parts. The revelation of this revival is that Daniel Radcliffe really can act...As a story, it is compelling." (Guardian); " Radcliffe proves an assured actor...though gripping and theatrically skilful, Equus is at root dated, pretentious and even a bit pernicious...good theatrical effect...an enjoyable play." (Times)

Equus was first produced on Broadway in 1974, and ran for 1209 performance. That production, which starred Peter Firth as 'Alan Strang' and Anthony Hopkins as 'Martin Dysart' and was directed by John Dexter, won two 1975 Tony Awards, Best Play and Best Director.

The 1977 movie adaptation of the play, starred Peter Firth and Richard Burton, was nominated for three Oscar's and earned Jenny Agutter a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress, for her role as 'Jill Mason'.

Kate Mulgrew