The White Chip, the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway hit by Sean Daniels, is set to make its UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse Borough from 9 July to 16 August 2025. Directed by Matt Ryan and produced by Danielle Tarento and Tony Award-winning actress Annaleigh Ashford, the autobiographical play lands in London following its successful US run, where it earned a New York Times Critics’ Pick.
The show’s commitment to conversation continues with post-show talkbacks
Starring Ed Coleman (I Am Hannah, Channel 4), Mara Allen (Macbeth, Shakespeare’s Globe), and Ashlee Irish (Hello, Dolly!, London Palladium), The White Chip dives headfirst into the chaos and comedy of addiction and recovery. Coleman plays Steven McAlister, a man who’s checked every box - college, career, marriage - while barely holding it all together through a haze of alcohol. When his balancing act collapses, what follows is a raw and funny journey toward recovery.
The UK creative team includes designer Lee Newby, lighting designer Jamie Platt, sound designer Max Pappenheim, and co-producer Danielle Tarento doubling up as casting director.
This production partners with Performing Recovery, the public face of the Addiction Recovery Arts Network, a nonprofit supporting creativity in recovery. A portion of ticket sales will go directly to the organisation. After every performance, Leon Clowes, co-founder of the network, will offer audiences a light-hearted “Alcoholic’s Tarot” reading, as well as space for discussion and reflection.
Clowes commented “Performing Recovery is delighted that Tarento Productions is the first major sponsor of our network and magazine... To be supported and partnered with one of London’s top theatre producers and to have the opportunity to work alongside her on The White Chip is game changing for us.”
Club Soda and Everleaf are also supporting the production. Club Soda, a leader in mindful drinking, emphasises the value of alcohol-free options in arts venues. Everleaf will offer a range of non-alcoholic aperitifs throughout the run.
The show’s commitment to conversation continues with post-show talkbacks on Thursday 17 July: “What Happens If I Don’t Want to Drink Anymore?” with Lucy Rocca (Soberistas) and Brie Barros (Alcohol Change UK) and Wednesday 6 August: “Is Addiction a Disability?” with Waithera Sebatindira (Through an Addict’s Looking-Glass) and Paul Bonham, hosted by Leon Clowes.
Playwright Sean Daniels, who describes the piece as a comedy about recovery, said “When you write a comedy about recovery, you hope it finds the right people - people who get your dark sense of humour… and how lucky am I that it has.”
The White Chip originally premiered at 59E59 Theaters in New York and was later produced at MCC Theater’s Susan & Ronald Frankel Theater. That production was backed by Ashford along with Hank Azaria, Jason Biggs, and John Larroquette.
Tickets are available now at Southwark Playhouse.
