Australian actor and writer, Roz Hammond will play the chilling role of Nurse Ratched in a new stage adaptation of one of the world’s most iconic stories, starring opposite previously announced actor Lachy Hulme (Offspring, Beaconsfield, Romper Stomper) as the anarchistic Randle Patrick McMurphy.
Premiering at Her Majesty’s Theatre from 23 May 2020, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest will see visionary director Tyran Parke bring the monumental Ken Kesey novel to life, reuniting him with set and costume designer Dann Barber and sound designer Michael Waters from last year’s critically acclaimed Barnum the Musical. Lighting design is by Trent Suidgeest.
Roz Hammond is much loved for her numerous television appearances including The Heights, Mad As Hell, Five Bedrooms The Librarians, Jack Irish as well as guest roles in Blue Heelers, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, The Let Down, Please Like Me, It’s a Date, Offspring, Mr and Mrs Murder, Outland, Slide, The King, Curtin and Newstopia. She also appeared in cult Australian films, Muriel’s Wedding and The Dish.
An emotional rollercoaster, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest centres around a struggle for status between McMurphy and Nurse Ratched. A power-play between the two catapults audiences into a world of emotional button-pushing, chaos and rebellion. As we meet each patient and delve into their world, this play will both shock and delight in the most unexpected ways.
“If Mr Murphy doesn’t want to take his medication orally, I’m sure we can arrange that he can have it some other way.” – Nurse Ratched
Playwright Dale Wasserman adapted One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest from the novel by Ken Kesey; the play opened on Broadway in 1963 with Kirk Douglas as McMurphy, Ed Ames as the Chief and Gene Wilder as Billy. In 1975, a film version helmed by Milos Forman was released and starred Jack Nicholas as Randle Patrick McMurphy and Louise Fletcher as Nurse Ratched.
“Adding Roz to our stellar line up is a dream come true,” said Producer Adrian Storey. “Her portrayal of Nurse Ratched promises to be something we shall treasure for years to come.”
We invite you to enter the asylum, take your seat and discover this timeless tale in a way you could have never imagined. Full cast to be announced shortly.
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
Her Majesty’s Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
Season from 23 May 2020
Information and Bookings: www.cuckoosnest.com.au
Image: Roz Hammond as Nurse Ratched – photo by Jeff Busby