A Role to Die For Q&A at Marylebone Theatre. © Darren Ross

A Role to Die For Q&A at Marylebone Theatre. © Darren Ross

What makes a certain brand of spy so iconic? So quintessentially British? And, if you were in charge of that brand, how far would you go to keep control and protect its legacy? 

Written by actor, playwright and screenwriter Jordan Waller five years ago, new stage comedy A Role to Die For is unashamedly inspired by James Bond – portraits of the five previous film Bonds (including a teeny-tiny one of George Lazenby) watch over the onstage action. And some of the franchise ownership plot twists have turned out to be incredibly prescient.

But, for the benefit of any lawyers who may be reading this, the play’s characters are all entirely fictional!

The production, directed by Derek Bond (yes, Bond, Derek Bond, no relation), premiered at Cirencester’s Barn Theatre in February and has now transferred for its London premiere at Marylebone Theatre, care of DEM Productions.

She’s not just casting a role. She’s gambling with a legacy.

In the film producer’s London office on the eve of Hollywood’s biggest casting reveal in Hollywood: Deborah (Tanya Franks) is about to announce the next face of the world’s most legendary spy franchise when her perfect pick is caught up in a sex scandal.

As the minutes count down to launch, she races to find a replacement. Will she go with the safe, traditional, algorithmically-tested option? Or might she just roll the dice with the first black Bond (Obioma Ugoala)?

For the post-show discussion, I was joined by writer Jordan Waller, director Derek Bond, and would-be spy Obioma Ugoala (well known to musical theatre fans for originating the West End roles of George Washington in Hamilton and Kristoff in Frozen) to discuss identity, legacy, the battle between tradition and progress, the future of casting, and, of course, our shared love of James Bond.

With some lively interventions from the New York University students in the audience – not least a rousing endorsement for a particular potential Bond. What’s your prediction?

A Role to Die For continues at London’s Marylebone Theatre until 30 August 2025.

Q&A video

With thanks to Nina Studer.

Q&A photos

With thanks to Darren Ross.

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