New theatre production mulls a London rarity: Naked actors

An upcoming stage production at London’s Palace Theatre may feature nude actors and scenes depicting sexuality, spurring the addition of an intimacy coach to the crew.

The Old East Village venue is scheduled to house a production this winter of the dramatic play Closer on its Procunier Hall stage, which seats an audience of 75 to 80 people. The show’s poster warns that “viewer discretion is strongly advised.”

Audiences are likely used to that kind of advisory. But it also notes the “stripped down” and “grown up” production is “not for the faint of heart.” The stripped-down reference may be literal, with director Dave Semple saying on-stage nudity may be included – depending on the comfort of the actors cast.

“I don’t like the idea of gratuitous nudity,” Semple said. “That’s not really t