Ayọ̀ Owóyẹmi-Peters Makes West End Debut in Acclaimed Play People, Places and Things
Ayọ̀ Owóyẹmi-Peters joins the cast of People, Places and Things, marking her West End debut in Jeremy Herrin’s acclaimed revival starring Denise Gough.
Rising talent Ayọ̀ Owóyẹmi-Peters is set to make her West End debut in People, Places and Things, the Olivier Award-winning play by Duncan Macmillan. The new production, directed by Jeremy Herrin, sees Denise Gough return to her career-defining role as Emma, an actress grappling with addiction and identity.
Owóyẹmi-Peters plays the role of Laura in this emotionally charged and visually arresting drama, which follows Emma’s tumultuous journey through rehab as she confronts the chaos of her personal and professional life. Laura is one of the complex and layered characters populating Emma’s world, reflecting the themes of recovery, truth, and performance that make People, Places and Things such a vital piece of modern theatre.
Denise Gough and Ayọ̀ Owóyẹmi Peters - photography by Marc Benner.
A celebrated return to the stage
First staged at the National Theatre and later transferring to Wyndham’s Theatre, People, Places and Things was met with widespread critical acclaim, including five-star reviews and extended runs. This latest staging continues the legacy of excellence with a fresh ensemble, innovative set design, and the same raw intensity that made the original a landmark moment in contemporary British theatre.
A standout cast and creative team
Owóyẹmi-Peters joins a high-profile cast including:
Denise Gough (Angels in America) as Emma
Sinéad Cusack (V for Vendetta) as Doctor/Therapist/Mum
Malachi Kirby (Small Axe) as Mark
Danny Kirrane (The Sandman) as Foster
Kevin McMonagle (Best of Enemies) as Dad/Paul
Holly Atkins (This Country) as Charlotte
Paksie Vernon (Shetland) as Jodi
Ryan Hutton (Only Fools and Horses The Musical) as Shaun
Dillon Scott-Lewis (& Juliet) as T
Also featuring in the ensemble are Russell Anthony and Louise Templeton, with all actors playing additional roles to enrich the layered narrative.
Immersive staging and visionary design
Renowned designer Bunny Christie’s set will include on-stage audience seating, immersing viewers in Emma’s disorienting and fragmented world. The creative team also includes:
Costume Designer: Christina Cunningham
Lighting Designer: James Farncombe
Composer: Matthew Herbert
Sound Designer: Tom Gibbons
Video Designer: Andrzej Goulding
Movement Director: Polly Bennett
Casting Director: Jessica Ronane (original casting by Wendy Spon)
