Gabriel Byrne will star alongside Geraldine James in the stage adaptation of 45 Years, premiering at the Minerva Theatre in Chichester this June. The play, adapted from a 2015 film, explores the impact of a long-buried secret on a longstanding marriage.

Gabriel Byrne is set to join Geraldine James in the cast of 45 Years, which opens at Chichester’s Minerva Theatre from 18 June to 11 July, with previews beginning on 12 June. The production is adapted by Hannah Patterson from Andrew Haigh’s 2015 film of the same name, itself based on David Constantine’s short story In Another Country.

The narrative centres on a couple whose marriage is profoundly affected by the discovery of a woman’s body in a melting glacier, unraveling long-held truths and emotions.

Hannah Patterson, known for works including Eden and Playing With Grown Ups, has crafted the stage version from the original film’s screenplay. Prasanna Puwanarajah, whose directorial credits include Twelfth Night for the Royal Shakespeare Company, directs the production.

The creative team features James Cotterill as designer, Guy Hoare handling lighting, composer Ruth Barrett providing the score, and sound by Beth Duke. Movement direction is overseen by Natasha Harrison, and Matilda James is the casting director.

This adaptation promises an intimate exploration of memory and time, continuing the tradition of moving contemporary British drama premiering at Chichester’s Minerva Theatre.