The UK premiere cast of Joshua Harmon’s We Had A World has been announced for its run at Hampstead Downstairs this May. The European premiere explores the playwright’s childhood and complex family relationships over three decades.

The European premiere of We Had A World, written by Joshua Harmon, will open at Hampstead Downstairs from 29 May to 4 July. The play, previously staged Off-Broadway, delves into Harmon’s own childhood in New York and the evolving relationships within his family across 30 years.

Suzanne Bertish will take the role of Renee, Anna Francolini appears as Ellen, and Ryan Kopel plays Joshua. The production is helmed by director Josh Seymour, who described the play as “a deeply personal piece” focusing on Harmon’s relationship with his “fascinating, elusive grandmother”.

The creative team features designer Sarah Beaton, lighting designer Joshua Gadsby, and sound designer Lex Kosanke. Movement is guided by Ingrid Mackinnon, with fight direction from Bethan Clark. Aundrea Fudge coaches dialect, while Tess Dignan serves as voice coach.

Seymour expressed enthusiasm for the cast and the emotional depth of the play, saying it “moves me every time I read it” and will resonate with audiences who have experienced shifts in their understanding of close family members.

We Had A World joins other notable productions in the Hampstead 2026 season, which also includes the UK premieres of Kimberly Akimbo and Sarah Ruhl’s Stage Kiss.

This presentation marks a significant opportunity to witness a personal yet universal exploration of memory, identity, and family dynamics on a London stage.