Billy Porter, Harrison David Rivers, Omari Douglas and Alexander Lincoln on ‘choosing connections’ in This Bitter Earth

Recently, WhatsOnStage was invited into the rehearsal room to find out more about the current Soho Theatre production of This Bitter Earth.

We sat down with three-time Tony Award winner Billy Porter (making his UK directorial debut), playwright Harrison David Rivers, and cast members Omari Douglas (who plays Jesse) and Alexander Lincoln (Neil) to get the full lowdown.

Watch our exclusive “in rehearsals” visit below:

This Bitter Earth follows a young Black writer and his white activist lover and asks, “What is the real cost of standing on the sidelines?”

The cast also include Stanton Plummer-Cambridge and Luke Striffler, who serve as understudies.

Joining Porter and Rivers on the creative team are Morgan Large (set and costume design), Sean Green (original composition), Julian Starr (sound design), Rob Kelly (casting), Bronagh Lagan (associate direction), Toby Darvill (production management), with Elsie O’Rourke as company stage manager, and Jordan Deegan-Fleet as deputy stage manager. Marketing and social media management is by The Pekoe Group, with artwork by Bob King Creative.

This Bitter Earth is award-winning producer Thomas Hopkins’ first development project through his independently owned company. Producers include Jana Robbins, Craig Haffner and Sherry Wright, Alex Deacon, Jonathan Kaldor and Kohl Beck, in association with John Rogerson and Sarig Peker.

The play continues at the Soho Theatre until 26 July, with a press night set for 24 June. Tickets are on sale below.