Stars of stage and screen cast for Scottish premiere of hit play Democracy A stellar cast has been assembled for Rapture Theatre’s Scottish premiere of Democracy by Michael Frayn, which opens in September.

Scottish acting legends, including Taggart’s Colin McCredie and River City’s Sean Scanlan, will star alongside American movie actor Tom Hodgkins and Brookside’s Neil Caple in this thrilling tale of spying, politics and espionage.

Written by Michael Frayn in 2003, and Winner of the Evening Standard and Critics’ Circle Best Play awards, Democracy premieres in Stirling in September before visiting 18 other locations including The Highlands , Glasgow, Edinburgh, Central Scotland, Perth, The Borders and Fife. The tour will run until October 12, 2016, when it closes in Aberdeen.

Jim Kitson, Steven Scott Fitzgerald also feature in the cast, alongside Michael Moreland, David Tarkenter, Stewart Porter and Alan Steele.

Based on a true story, Democracy is a gripping spy thriller about the relationship between 1970’s West German Chancellor Willy Brandt, and his personal assistant Gunther Guillaume, whose exposure as an East German spy led to Brandt’s resignation. Shakespearean in scale but with all the spin of modern politics, Democracy combines the fascination of a John Le Carre thriller (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and The Night Manager) with the dynamism of The West Wing and House of Cards. Democracy is produced by Scotland’s leading touring theatre company Rapture Theatre, in association with Macrobert Arts Centre. Leonie Bell, Director, Arts and Engagement at Creative Scotland said: “We are delighted to support Rapture Theatre and their new work Democracy. The quality of cast and crew in this production is testament to the high regard for Rapture both in Scottish theatre and internationally. We are particularly pleased with the range of the Democracy tour, giving audiences across Scotland the opportunity to see this exciting production.”

Julie Ellen, Artistic Director of Macrobert Arts Centre said:

‘When Rapture Theatre bring their main stage modern classics to Macrobert Arts Centre they attract a large audience whose feedback to us is that they enjoy the productions enormously. So it is an absolute pleasure to support Rapture in realising their latest tour. The need to understand the nature of the democratic process, and the character of those who we mandate to govern, who they trust and what their motivations are is as important now as it was when the Guillaume Affair erupted 40 years ago. I’m delighted that such an urgent, relevant and fantastic play will have its Scottish premiere here at Macrobert.’ Michael Emans, Artistic Director of Rapture Theatre said: “I am thrilled that, with the support of Creative Scotland and Macrobert Arts Centre , this great play will be enjoyed by audiences across Scotland. The resurgence in the appreciation of John Le Carre’s work and the post Brexit climate of political upheaval, infighting and betrayal make this play highly prescient I cannot wait to start working with my production team and the cast of ten tremendous performers to create a truly remarkable show.”

Democracy is Directed by Michael Emans of Rapture Theatre with Associate Producer Julie Ellen (Macrobert Arts Centre). Set and Costume Design: Richard Evans, Lighting Alex Wardle and Video Design Tim Reid.

Democracy is in Perth Concert Hall on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 September. Follow the link for tickets and info for Democracy.