Jodie McNee, known for Fun Home, has stepped into the role of Jackie in Ilford Boy at the Donmar Warehouse. The production opens its previews on 10 October, marking a notable casting change ahead of its world premiere.

Jodie McNee replaces Sinéad Matthews in Danny Lee Wynter’s Ilford Boy at the Donmar Warehouse after Matthews withdrew to recover from a recent injury. The show, directed by Donmar artistic director Tim Sheader, will begin previews on 10 October, with its official opening on 20 October and a run until 28 November.

Ilford Boy centres on Ted Martin, a mixed-race teenager growing up in 1990s East London. The production explores Ted’s turbulent home life and the transformative impact of Patrick, who introduces him to new styles, humour, and show tunes.

Alongside McNee as Jackie, the cast includes Lindsey Coulson (Eileen), Cary Crankson (Trevor), Gershwyn Eustache Jnr (Ken), Aaron Gill (Raj), Charlotte Jaconelli (Ann), Craig Stein (Patrick), Leo Whitfield-Harris (Ted) and Ria Zmitrowicz (Tillie).

The creative team features Peter McKintosh as set designer and Ryan Dawson Laight as costume designer. Lighting design is by Aideen Malone, sound by Tony Gayle, choreography and intimacy direction by Ebony Molina, with Kate Waters as fight director.

Additional credits include Eamonn O’Dwyer as composer and music supervisor, Carole Hancock handling wigs, hair and make-up, Barbara Houseman as voice director, and Hazel Holder as dialect coach. Phillippe Cato is associate director, with Jessy Roberts as resident assistant director.

Casting was overseen by Lotte Hines alongside casting associate Lilly Mackie. The production continues Donmar Warehouse’s commitment to new writing and diverse storytelling, reflecting contemporary voices and historical contexts in British theatre.