Noah Schnapp and former Strictly Come Dancing professional Janette Manrara are starring in the world premiere of Andy Sandberg's dark comedic play Affluenza at London's Riverside Studios.
The production has extended its run through Nov. 28, 2026, following high ticket demand.
Affluenza premiered on Sept. 26 as the first of five plays in the venue's Mainstage 26/27 season.
The play is loosely inspired by a true story involving a privileged teenager whose drunk driving incident ends in devastation.
Set in the Hamptons, it examines themes of wealth, moral accountability, and the American justice system when the defense argues the teenager suffered from affluenza.
Cast and Creative Team
Alongside Schnapp and Manrara, the six-person cast features Olivier nominee Rupert Young, Juliet Cowan, Wallis Currie-Wood, and Donald Sage Mackay.
Sandberg serves as both writer and director for the two-hour-and-fifteen-minute Off-West End production.
He expressed enthusiasm for the show's reception during its opening phase.
"We've been thrilled by the audience's reaction to Affluenza in previews," said Andy Sandberg, Writer and Director.
"The extraordinary cast have brought my characters to life in the most wonderful way, and we're set for a phenomenal run between now and 28 November," he said.
Sandberg noted that adding performances before previews began was an exciting milestone for the creative team.
"We are delighted by the enthusiasm for Affluenza, and adding extra performances before we even begin previews is incredibly exciting," he said.
He added that he looks forward to welcoming audiences to Riverside Studios.
"I'm honoured to be working with an extraordinary cast and team on the show, and we can't wait for audiences to see it," said Sandberg.
Janette Manrara on Her Theatrical Debut
For Manrara, the play marks her non-dancing theatrical debut following her stint playing Roxie Hart in the UK tour of Chicago.
She plays three distinct characters in the piece.
"I was a thespian in high school," said Janette Manrara, Actress.
"I just loved telling stories," she explained, describing how she initially transitioned into dance during her early career.
The performer highlighted what drew her to the project after reading the script.
"It's such an exciting challenge," she said.
"This is the first time I'm doing something not dance-related.
But as soon as I read the script, it totally captured my interest because of the topics it discusses," said Manrara.
Manrara emphasized the societal relevance of the themes explored on stage.
"The play holds up a mirror to society: it covers so many important subjects that are hugely relevant right now," she said.
She elaborated on the specific issues raised throughout the drama.
"Privilege, power dynamics, the justice system, morality, generational consequences – how what you do in your young adult life can really impact on you later – and parents trying to do the right thing for their children.
I love plays and films where, the second you've seen them, you just have to have a conversation.
Affluenza is definitely one of those," said Manrara.
Working alongside experienced stage actors provided a unique learning opportunity for her.
"They're all so phenomenal – I feel like I'm a competition winner," she said.
She described her approach to absorbing techniques from her co-stars.
"I'm a big sponge.
I gain a lot from just watching, so even when I'm not involved with a scene, I try to be in the room," said Manrara.
Manrara shared feedback she received from her co-star following an early scene.
"The first scene I had with Noah, he turned to me after and said 'I really enjoyed doing that with you'.
I think that comes from working with celebrities who were very vulnerable, and thinking about how to make the other person feel comfortable," she said.
Reflecting on her current personal and professional path, she described her evolving career stage as "reinvention."
She expanded on how motherhood and maturity have influenced her life choices.
"I'm a mother now, I'm turning 43 in November, and Lyra is a toddler. Over the summer I had a massive period of reflection.
Women, especially mothers, put so much pressure on themselves to be a certain way – we shouldn't do this or wear this.
But I still feel very myself.
I'm just more aware of who I am and what I value now, so I make better choices than I did at 25.
I'm ready to navigate to a different part of me: Janette 3.0," said Manrara.
Regarding changes at Strictly Come Dancing, she noted her instinct about future developments.
She clarified her ongoing connection to the show despite departing her presenting duties.
"But I'm hosting the live tour, so I'm still part of the Strictly family, and Aljaž is on it, so we still have Strictly in our house.
Really the biggest change is that I won't be watching on Saturday night because I'll be on stage!"
said Manrara.
She described her passion for returning to acting after watching major West End plays.
"Tap back into the acting part of me. It's always been there, laying dormant, waiting for the right moment," she said.
She recalled her reaction to seeing productions like Prima Facie and Inter Alia.
"I remember thinking 'I want this as my next challenge.'
I've been working hard, quietly preparing myself for an opportunity like this, and I'm so grateful that Affluenza came along," said Manrara.
Manrara expressed her appreciation for live audience connections.
"There's nothing like the feeling of live theatre and connecting with an audience," she said.
She offered advice for theatregoers attending the show.
"Be prepared to go on a wild ride," said Manrara.
Tickets for Affluenza start between £25 and £28 at Riverside Studios in London.
The venue's Mainstage season will continue with Sacrilegious running from Dec. 5, 2026, to Jan.
23, 2027, followed by Expecting from Jan. 30 to March 27, 2027.
