Lawrence after Arabia, Hampstead Theatre

Telling the story of how celebrated archeologist, military officer, writer and 'uncrowned King of Arabia' T.E. Lawrence disappeared, Howard Brenton's new play marks 100 years since the Arab Revolt, which was led by the real life Lawrence.

Set in August 1922 the play focusses on the lull after the famed military victories, when Lawrence is shacked up with Mr and Mrs Bernard Shaw, in a tiny village, seeking refuge from the public eye and eating homemade carrot cake. All he wants is normality, but he's a national hero.

Playwright Howard Brenton is in familar territory with this historic, true life tale and has impressed at the Hampstead before with historical epics The Arrest of Ai Weiwei, Drawing the Line and 55 Days. The playwright has collaborated regularly with director John Dove (Farinelli and the King) and the pair will reunite for the premiere of Lawrence After Arabia.