The Sandbox Collective is bringing Duncan Macmillan’s critically acclaimed play People, Places, and Things to Philippine audiences through a special staged reading this August, led by an all-star cast featuring Bela Padilla, Gabby Padilla, Jake Cuenca, and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo.
Directed by Sab Jose, the production follows Emma, a successful actress whose seemingly perfect life begins to unravel after she enters a rehabilitation center. As she confronts addiction, memory, and the difficult path toward recovery, Emma is forced to question her identity and search for the truth beneath the roles she has long performed. Bela Padilla and Gabby Padilla will alternate in the demanding lead role.
The production also marks Bela Padilla’s theatrical debut. Known for her acclaimed performances in television and films such as 100 Tula Para Kay Stella and Meet Me in St. Gallen, Bela takes on one of contemporary theater’s most emotionally complex characters.
Alternating with her is award-winning actress Gabby Padilla, whose credits span theater, film, and television. She is best known for Billie and Emma, the Cinemalaya film Kono Basho, and stage productions including I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Tiny Beautiful Things.
Joining the lead actresses is award-winning actor Jake Cuenca, who returns to the stage as Mark. Cuenca, known for television hits such as Los Bastardos and Tayong Dalawa, was last seen in The Sandbox Collective’s Lungs and has earned international Best Actor recognition for his performance in Mulat.
The production also features Philippine theater icons Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo and Audie Gemora. Lauchengco-Yulo, often referred to as the First Lady of Philippine Theater, will portray the Doctor, Therapist, and Mom, while Gemora, widely regarded as the King of Philippine Musical Theater, takes on the roles of Paul and Dad.
Completing the ensemble are Robbie Guevara as Foster, Reb Atadero as T, Brian Sy as Shaun and Mark (Understudy), Mariella Laurel as Laura, Pamela Imperial as Charlotte, Miel Abong as Jodi, and dramaturg Salve Villarosa van Schoonhoven as the Narrator.
Widely regarded as one of the defining contemporary plays of the past decade, People, Places, and Things offers a powerful and compassionate exploration of addiction, rehabilitation, and the often painful journey toward healing. Through Emma’s story, Duncan Macmillan examines identity, truth, and the blurred line between performance and reality.
Known for championing bold and thought-provoking productions, The Sandbox Collective continues its commitment to presenting compelling contemporary works with this limited-engagement staged reading.
People, Places, and Things will run for four performances only on August 15 and 16, 2026, at The Blackbox, Proscenium Theater, Rockwell, Makati.
Originally, People, Places, and Things premiered at the Dorfman Theatre of the National Theatre in London in September 2015 in a co-production with Headlong.
