Emotionally Charged Drama Coming Up at the Tabard
Girl Out of The Blue by Giles Cole featuring in venue's autumn season
Sarah Berge as Beth (left) and Miranda Braun (right) as Abi in rehearsal
September 12, 2026
A powerful new drama exploring family, identity and long-buried secrets will take to the stage at the Tabard Theatre this month, as producers Alexander ‘Sandy’ Marshall and Close Quarter Productions announce the full cast for Girl Out of The Blue. The play, written by Giles Cole and directed by Jonas Cemm, runs from 23 September to 10 October.
The production brings together an accomplished ensemble of stage and screen performers. Sarah Berger, whose career spans the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre and five West End productions, will play Beth. Seeta Indrani, known for her long-running role in The Bill and recent appearances in Grace, Catastrophe and Secret Invasion, takes on the role of Maya. Jonathan Sidgwick, whose credits include The Mousetrap, EastEnders and work at the Old Vic, appears as Doug. Miranda Braun, recently seen in Not Quite Jerusalem and BBC Radio 4’s English Rose, plays Abi — the “girl” at the heart of the story.
Girl Out of The Blue is described as an emotionally charged drama examining the consequences of the choices people make and the hidden truths that shape their lives. The play asks whether reconciliation is possible when the past refuses to stay buried, weaving themes of family, forgiveness and identity into a narrative that builds towards moments of tension and revelation.
Director Jonas Cemm said he was thrilled to bring the production to the Tabard. “Giles has written a beautifully observed and deeply moving play that speaks to anyone who has ever wrestled with family, identity and belonging,” he said. “I’m thrilled to be working with such an exceptional cast and to bring this powerful story to life at such a great venue as the Tabard Theatre.”
Director Jonas Cemm (second from left) with the cast in rehearsals
Cole’s previous work includes The Art of Concealment: The Life of Terence Rattigan, The Heart of Things, When Love Grows Old and the award-winning After All These Years, alongside seven plays for BBC Radio. Marshall’s recent UK productions include The Price and The Government Inspector at the Marylebone Theatre, Interview at Riverside Studios and Dr Strangelove at the Noël Coward Theatre. He is also producing Tartuffe (Remixed) starring Mark Rylance and Holy Fool at the Park Theatre, and has produced shows on and off-Broadway including Glengarry Glen Ross, Hangmen and Morning’s at Seven.
Early readings of Girl Out of The Blue in 2024 drew praise from directors and producers. Al Miller described it as “a compelling play” with a male lead “developed with such depth and clarity”. Hugh Wooldridge called it “terrifically well done”, praising the plotting and ensemble work. Paul Smith of Theatre Plays UK said the play’s themes “cut pretty deep”, adding that its unfolding revelations created “explosive” dramatic potential.
Girl Out of The Blue runs at the Tabard Theatre from 23 September to 10 October.
Tickets and further details are available here.
Tabard Theatre is at 2 Bath Road, W4 1LW just next to Turnham Green tube station.
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