A West End theatre will attempt to stop Kit Harington’s naked scenes in Slave Play from being leaked with camera-blocking stickers.
The Game of Thrones actor is heading to the Noël Coward Theatre in London to star alongside Olivia Washington, 33, in the Tony-nominated play.
According to sources, the production features a lengthy scene in which Kit strips down surrounded by mirrors on stage.
With nowhere to hide, concerns have been raised about the 37-year-old’s modesty in the over 10-minute scene should the audience decide to film.
Olivia – the daughter of Denzel Washington – stars opposite Kit in the revealing show but insiders are more focused on Kit’s exposed ‘tackle’.
‘The sex scene Kit’s in is quite shocking,’ a source told The Sun. ‘There are lots of mirrors on stage so the audience can see his tackle from all angles.’
Slave Play, written by Jeremy O. Harris, tells the story of an interracial couple who are forced to pretend they are on a slave plantation by their relationship therapist.
The insider continued: ‘The scene lasts more than ten minutes and bosses seem very concerned about it being recorded and leaked online — hence the stickers.
‘Management really want to protect his modesty so they’ve threatened legal action if anyone is caught filming. Kit is a true pro, though, and doesn’t break character when he sheds his clothes.’
Filming in theatres is not usually allowed unless express permission is given by the production, such as for Grease’s Megamix to close the show.
Stickers are also used in the West End’s Cabaret production, placed over the audience’s camera lens as they walk into the venue through winding pathways.
The show’s website states: ‘This is an experience for your eyes only. Keep it in the Kit Kat Club.’
It seems Slave Play will follow a similar protocol, although this isn’t due to Kit blushing over his privacy as the insider noted he is very ‘comfortable’ in his own skin.
He has performed in stage productions before, including Jamie Lloyd’s 2016 production of Doctor Faustus which saw him bear his bare bum to the world.
However, Kit – who married Thrones co-star Rose Leslie – has lamented being painted as nothing more than a hunk.
‘I never got into acting to be a sex symbol or a heart-throb,’ the Pompeii actor told Candis magazine.
‘I got into acting because I love playing characters and not being myself. But yeah, it goes with the territory because I am a young male leading actor and with that goes an aspect of work that I guess I am … not actually very comfortable with sometimes.’
Slave Play opened in the West End on June 29, having moved over from Broadway where it sparked controversy over being ‘disturbing’ and ‘offensive’.
The Noël Coward Theatre will host two Black Out showings, for an ‘all-Black-identifying audience’ that is ‘free from the white gaze on July 17 and September 17.