‘The Hard Problem’: First Damien Molony and Olivia Vinall photo revealed, play extended to May

January 24, 2015

Damien & Olivia Vinall. Photo credit © Johan Persson, The Telegraph

The first images from The Hard Problem have been released and the play been extended into May.

Damien is pictured above with Olivia Vinall in new images of the Tom Stoppard play, published by The Telegraph yesterday. Damien is playing Spike, described in the official synopsis as colleague and first mentor to Hilary (Olivia Vinall), but the image of the two getting up close and personal suggests there may be more to this relationship.

As the title suggests, the play examines ‘the hard problem’ of consciousness and it does so in the context of brain science and philosophy. Perhaps Stoppard offers the themes and experiences of relationship and ‘love’ as ways to explore the nature of consciousness?

If you are as intrigued to find out as we are, but missed out on tickets the first time around (the play sold out in just two days) the welcome news came yesterday that the production will soon go on sale for extra performances into May.

The Hard Problem will also be broadcast in cinemas across the world live on 16 April 2015 with National Theatre Live. Further encore screenings of the play after the initial live broadcast will additionally be shown.

The first stage play in years for Sir Tom Stoppard and the final one at the National for artistic director Nicholas Hytner, it is already a high profile theatre event; rumour has it that His Royal Highness Prince of Wales was in attendence when the play premiered last Wednesday.

With a strong of press nights coming next week, we cannot wait to hear more.

*** TICKET WATCH ***

The Hard Problem has sold out for performances up to 16 April 2015, but returned tickets become available often daily, check the National Theatre website regularly!

‘Day tickets’ are also available, but have to be bought in person, on the day of the performance. More info on day tickets here

Tickets for the newly extended performances beyond 16 April into May go on sale to the general public 8.30 am (UK) 12 February, earlier for National Theatre members. For more info click here

To book your tickets to see Damien in a live broadcast of The Hard Problem at your local cinema, visit the National Theatre Live website

To book tickets to a special talk with Tom Stoppard and Nicholas Hytner on The Hard Problem 5.30pm 6 February, click here

To book tickets to a talk about Evolutionary Biology with Armand Leroi on 16 February, click here .

To comment and discuss Damien in The Hard Problem with other fans, and for more info visit the forum here!