DEAD SHEEP

BY JONATHAN MAITLAND

DIRECTED BY IAN TALBOT OBE

TO TOUR THE UK IN AUTUMN 2016

After a record-breaking run at Park Theatre, and huge critical and public acclaim, Jonathan Maitland’s debut play, DEAD SHEEP, directed by Ian Talbot OBE, will tour the UK from 5 September – 28 November 2016.

Steve Nallon will return to the production to star as ‘Margaret Thatcher’, having portrayed her for many years on the political puppetry satire Spitting Image. Further casting to be announced.

It is 1989 and a seemingly invincible Prime Minister has sacked her Foreign Secretary Geoffrey Howe,  thinking she had nothing to fear from him; his speaking skills had, famously, been compared to those of a dead sheep. But inspired by his wife Elspeth – a formidable and witty feminist, whose relationship with Thatcher was notoriously frosty – Howe overcame his limitations to destroy Mrs Thatcher’s political career…and also his own.

Dead Sheep portrays the true story of how Mrs. Thatcher, the most divisive Prime Minister of modern times, was brought down by her one time friend and political soul mate Geoffrey Howe. Using imagined dialogue to portray private scenes between the main protagonists, it recreates the events leading up to Howe’s famous 1990 speech, in which he criticised Thatcher for undermining policies on economic and monetary union in Europe, ultimately leading to her downfall and resignation. Dead Sheep is the result of two years’ research, during which the playwright gained access to Geoffrey Howe himself and other prominent politicians and advisers of the era.

Jonathan Maitland said, “The themes of ‘Dead Sheep’ are, uncannily, as relevant now as they were 26 years ago : a Government  bitterly split over Europe, old friends at loggerheads, careers on the line and our country’s future at stake. I’m delighted – it’s a perfect recipe for drama and comedy.”

Jonathan Maitland is a broadcaster and writer. He reported for Radio 4’s Today programme in the 1990s, before co-presenting BBC1’s Watchdog and ITV 1’s House of Horrors.   He has presented ITV1’s flagship current affairs show, Tonight, for the last 16 years. He has interviewed, amongst others, Tony Blair, Madonna, Henry Kissinger and Bob Geldof and written for all the national newspapers. He has authored five books, including a best-selling memoirHow To Survive Your Mother and Vote For Who?. His co-written screenplay about the footballer Stanley Matthews has been optioned and is in development.  Dead Sheep was his debut play at Park Theatre, which was then followed by the highly controversial An Audience with Jimmy Savile, starring Alistair McGowan, which went on to smash his existing box office record. His third play at the venue, Deny Deny Deny, will tackle doping in sport, will open in November.

Steve Nallon plays ‘Margaret Thatcher’.  In 1984 Steve became a founding member of the Spitting Image team and it aired until 1996. Although he became most famous for providing the voice of Thatcher, he also voiced many of the show’s other characters, including ‘The Queen Mother’, ‘Alan Bennett’ and ‘David Attenborough’.  His other stage credits include Cissie and Ada, An Hysterical Rectomy (UK tour) and Carnival (Barbican), his television work includes Jonathan Creek and TV Burp and he appeared in the film 51 Degrees North in 2015.

Ian Talbot directs. He was Artistic Director of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 2008, where his directing credits include Babes In Arms, The Fantasticks, Kiss Me Kate, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Oh, What A Lovely War, High Society, H.M.S. Pinafore (all nominated for Olivier Awards).  His other directing credits include The Mousetrap (St Martin’s Theatre), Yeoman of the Guard (Savoy Theatre), High Society (Shaftesbury Theatre and UK tour) and Lend Me A Tenor (Gielgud Theatre).  He has also acted at the RSC, Shakespeare’s Globe and in the West End.  In 2007 he was awarded OBE for services to drama.

www.deadsheepontour.co.uk

@DeadSheepPlay

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The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh is delighted to announce David Greig’s first season as Artistic Director of Scotland’s largest producing theatre.

David Greig is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning playwright whose recent credits include The Lorax (Old Vic), The Events (Traverse, Scotland and Young Vic), Sam Mendes’ West End hit, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Dunsinane (Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre of Scotland), and The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart (National Theatre of Scotland).

David Greig, New Artistic Director of the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh says,

“The Lyceum’s 50th Anniversary has been an extraordinary year for the company and the success of Mark Thomson’s final year has allowed me to put together this expansive and ambitious programme for my first season as Artistic Director.

We will be presenting more work with 11 main stage productions, 4 of which are world premieres, and many of the artists involved will be making work with The Lyceum for the very first time.

I’m keen to make new meaningful partnerships, such as our new exciting relationship with the Edinburgh Science Festival and build on existing relationships, such as our involvement with the Edinburgh International Festival, to ensure that we stay at the heart of this fantastic city and truly be a Civic Theatre for the people of Edinburgh and our visitors.

I want to put our citizens centre stage at The Lyceum to share this beautiful space and the amazing experience of making theatre – we need to cast at least 200 members of the public in this year’s season so please come and join us!

I’m also keen that the citizens of Edinburgh have more opportunities to explore and appreciate the splendour of this Victorian building – we will be presenting regular Variety Nights featuring an ever-changing line-up of musicians, poets and theatre-makers.

I’d like us to collaborate more across the UK and the world to share our unique experiences and individual stories.  This year Lyceum co-productions will visit Glasgow, Belfast and Newcastle, and our theatre will welcome Malthouse Theatre Melbourne and Black Swan State Theatre Company’s production Picnic at Hanging Rock.

This is a programme that takes risks and is full of experiment and adventure – I believe that Edinburgh deserves nothing less. The time has come in this Athens of the North, birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment, for the city to stake its claim to a theatre of world class ambition and scope.

Last year, after a decade of standstill funding The Lyceum received news of public funding cuts of nearly £700,000 from Creative Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council. Not enough to close our doors but enough to significantly narrow our horizons. Thankfully the legacy of the company’s celebrated 50th anniversary and the fantastic appetite of our audiences and supporters have given me a year to be experimental – a one season window of opportunity. I intend to use it to make the case for a producing theatre in Edinburgh’s capital which is worthy of the city. A Theatre which engages and excites our citizens year round and is capable of taking Edinburgh to the world and bringing a world of theatre to Edinburgh – a Civic Theatre for the capital city of Scotland – The Lyceum. I’m looking forward to working with many talented artists, our fantastic staff, generous sponsors new and old and our partners and funders in Scotland and across the UK, to make this ambition a lasting success for Edinburgh.”

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2016/2017 IN BRIEF

• Wind Resistance – 4 August – 21 August 2016

David Greig’s first production as Artistic Director (as Dramaturg) and the World Premiere of Scottish Singer/Songwriter Karine Polwart’s debut into theatre.  This new theatre gig will be performed in a bespoke performance space the Lyceum’s Rehearsal Studio with direction by David’s long-term collaborator, Wils Wilson.

• The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil – 14 – 24 September 2016

Joe Douglas’ widely acclaimed Dundee Rep production will mark his debut at The Lyceum and be the first time this iconic political play has been performed on The Lyceum stage since the original production in 1973.

• The Suppliant Women – 1 October – 15 October 2016

David Greig’s first play for The Lyceum main stage unites the creative team behind the 2013 international runaway hit The Events – David Greig, Ramin Gray and John Browne will create a new version of this Ancient Greek story about the flight of refugees and human rights that deeply resonates with our world today.  One of the oldest surviving plays in existence -this story will be re-imagined with 50 citizens of Edinburgh playing the pivotal role – the “suppliant” women.

• Jumpy – 27 October – 12 November 2016

BAFTA multi-award winning actor, Daniela Nardini returns to The Lyceum stage to play the lead role in this deliciously irreverent hit West End comedy of mid-life crisis, teenage rebellion and a mother-daughter relationship in meltdown.  Olivier-award winning director Cora Bissett will bring a distinctively Scottish twist to this contemporary tale.

• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – 26 November – 31 December 2016

The ever Inventive Edinburgh born theatre-maker Anthony Neilson will return to his home town to make a magical Victorian version of this classic family story by Lewis Carroll for Christmas.

• Picnic at Hanging Rock – 13 January – 28 January 2017

The Lyceum will welcome its first international mainstage production outside of the Edinburgh Festivals in its 50 year history – hosting the UK premiere of Malthouse Theatre Melbourne andBlack Swan State Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of this haunting, iconic Australian bush tale. Directed by Australian artist Matthew Lutton.

• The Winter’s Tale – 9 February – 4 March 2017

Shakespeare’s timeless tale of love, betrayal and magic will be directed by acclaimed artist Max Webster, who recently directed David’s enchanting adaptation of The Lorax. Max will bring a distinctive Scottish flair with a cast of actor-musicians.

• Hay Fever – 10 March – 1 April 2017

A new co-production with the Citizens Theatre Glasgow, the Citizens’ award-winning Artistic Director Dominic Hill will direct Noël Coward’s riotous farce charting the unconventional antics of a self-dubbed ‘bohemian’ family of four. Revelation, romance, and outright outlandish behaviour set the tone of this 1920’s dark comedy.

• A Number – April 2017

As part of an exciting new partnership with the Edinburgh International Science Festival, renowned Scottish director and playwright Zinnie Harris will direct Caryl Churchill’s acclaimed sci-fi story about cloning and its consequences. This eerie production will be performed in an intimate ‘in the round’ space created on The Lyceum’s main stage.

• Charlie Sonata – 29 April – 13 May 2017

An urban, funny, booze-soaked fairytale about redemption brings together the artistic talents of Scottish playwright Douglas Maxwell and internationally acclaimed director Matthew Lenton for this World Premiere.

• Glory on Earth – 20 May – 10 June 2017

David Greig makes his directorial debut at The Lyceum with a new play by Scottish playwrightLinda Maclean.  Glory on Earth re-imagines the historic meetings between Mary Queen of Scots and John Knox charting the fatal relationship between a charming young queen and an uncompromising old zealot as they battle for the hearts and souls of 16th Century Scotland.

• The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other – June 2017

The citizens of Edinburgh take centre stage again in the season finale, a large scale production directed by Wils Wilson. Written by Austrian playwright Peter Handke, in a translation byMeredith Oakes the production will feature a 100 strong, all-Edinburgh cast and a soundtrack of entirely new music.

• Additional strands include a series of Sunday Variety Nights to showcase musicians, poets and theatre-makers.

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On sale: Season Tickets Tuesday 3 May & General Public Saturday 11 June

World Premiere

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company presents, in association with Edinburgh International Festival

WIND RESISTANCE

by Karine Polwart

directed by Wils Wilson

dramaturgy by David Greig

Dates: 4 August – 21 August 2016 (not including 8, 9, 15 & 16 August)

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company is delighted to it be presenting the World Premiere of Scottish singer, songwriter and composer, Karine Polwart’s new theatre gig, Wind Resistance, as part of the world renowned Edinburgh International Festival this August.

Wind Resistance is the first production that will feature The Lyceum’s new Artistic Director, David Greig, (as dramaturg) since his appointment and reunites Greig with site-specific theatre-maker, Wils Wilson. Their previous work together includes the hugely successful The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, the internationally acclaimed Scottish folk-theatre fable that has toured four continents and nine countries.

Wind Resistance will be performed in The Lyceum’s ‘Rehearsal Studio’, a new, bespoke venue created in the theatre company’s own rehearsal space to provide an intimate and unique setting for this fusion of music and theatre.

Every autumn, two and a half thousand pink-footed geese fly from Greenland to winter at Fala Flow, a protected peatbog south-east of Edinburgh. From this windy plateau, Karine Polwart surveys the surrounding landscape through history, song, birdlore and personal memoir. Ideas of sanctuary, maternity, goose skeins, Scottish football legend and medieval medicine all take flight, in this compelling combination of story and song.

Karine Polwart, singer, songwriter and composer and lead artist in Wind Resistance says,

“I’m a songwriter and folk singer who’s never produced work in a theatrical context before!  This is an incredible opportunity for me as well as a bold statement of intent about the broad scope of new work that The Lyceum intends to support going forward.

Wind Resistance is non-fiction theatre, a sort of live poetic essay and political meditation that’s underscored by songs and peat-bog inspired sonics and that combines bird lore and the science of goose skeins, with Scottish football legend, medico-archaeology and modern midwifery. That might sound quite messy but it’s actually a singular and coherent meditation. In my head it’s the kind of performative space where Kathleen Jamie, Laurie Anderson, Chris Packham and Mark Thomas might hang out together. I mean, why wouldn’t they?”  

Opening performance: Saturday 6 August, 8pm

Join the conversation: # WindResistance

Scottish Tour

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh presents Dundee Rep Ensemble’s production

THE CHEVIOT, THE STAG AND THE BLACK, BLACK OIL

by John McGrath

directed by Joe Douglas

Dates: 14 – 24 September 2016

The Scotsman, “…arguably the single most important show in the whole history of Scottish theatre…”

Joe Douglas will be making his debut at The Lyceum with Dundee Rep Ensemble’s critically-acclaimed production of The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil written by John McGrath.  The iconic political play, widely considered to be a cornerstone of contemporary Scottish theatre, was a huge success at Dundee Rep Theatre in September 2015, garnering critical praise and smashing box office records.

The original production was last staged at The Lyceum in 1973 and this will be the first stop, in its 2016 autumn Scottish tour.

The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil was written by renowned British playwright, director and political theorist John McGrath, who often took up the cause of Scottish independence in his plays.

The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil is considered one of Scotland’s first theatrical examples of docu-drama and verbatim story-telling.  It has been hailed as greatly influencing generations of theatre-makers in Scotland and beyond, as well as drawing in new audiences through its unique story-telling.  McGrath famously embraced the techniques of Music Hall, Variety and especially the ceilidh to appeal to audiences across the social classes.

Many of the issues and themes covered in The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil are as topical today as they were back in the 1970s, such as the North Sea oil industry and, the treatment of working people in the Highlands and Islands.

Joe Douglas, Associate Artistic Director of Dundee Rep Theatre and director of The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil says,

“It is thrilling to have The Cheviot return to The Lyceum after an interval of 43 years.  Much has changed in the meantime, however the Scottish people’s relationship with their land and resources remains familiar. There are green shoots of progress, on Land Reform for example, which make the play feel very current.  The Dundee Rep Ensemble is delighted to begin the tour in Edinburgh, before taking our ceilidh-theatre thrumming across the country.”

Opening performance: Wednesday 14 September

Join the conversation: #Cheviot

World Premiere

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company and Actors Touring Company present

THE SUPPLIANT WOMEN

by Aeschylus

in a new version by David Greig

directed by Ramin Gray

composed by John Browne

Cast to include a chorus of 50 citizens from the Edinburgh area

Dates: 1 October – 15 October 2016

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company, together with Actors Touring Company, is delighted to present the world premiere of The Suppliant Women, a new version of Aeschylus’ ancient Greek tragedy by internationally renowned playwright David Greig.  This will be Greig’s first main stage play, as Artistic Director of The Lyceum, and sees him reunited with director Ramin Gray and composer John Browne – the world class creative team behind the hugely acclaimedThe Events.

The Suppliant Women will use the techniques of Ancient Greek theatre by recruiting and training the citizens of Edinburgh to create an extraordinary theatrical event. These citizens will play a central role in the production to tell the story of fifty young women who escape forced marriages in Egypt and seek asylum in Greece.  This is a story about the flight of refugees, human rights, civil war, violence, democracy and ultimately the triumph of love – a tale that echoes through the ages to find striking and poignant resonances in the world of today.

This will be the first ever English-language production, of one of the world’s oldest plays to be performed in the UK.

The Events was greeted with ecstatic reviews at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh when it premiered in 2013 and has since been performed on stages across the world to become an international runaway hit.

‘O Zeus,
We know,
A sigh on earth can cause a storm up in heaven’

Fifty women will leave everything behind. They board a boat in North Africa and flee across the Mediterranean. They are escaping forced marriage in their homeland, hoping for protection and assistance, seeking asylum in Greece.

David Greig, Artistic Director of The Lyceum and writer on The Suppliant Women says:

“The Suppliant Women was written nearly 2500 years ago. It’s one of the very earliest Greek plays to have survived. Written by Aeschylus on the eve of a democratic revolution in Athens it comes to us, remarkably, as a document of the earliest moments of theatre. But for all its fascination and mystery, this story of Egyptian refugee women sailing to Greece to seek sanctuary could have been written about the world today.

Working on the adaptation for this production I have felt like a literary Indiana Jones uncovering the covenant. I could feel the energy of the text pulsing through two millennia.

Director Ramin Gray and composer John Browne worked with me to create the play The Events and I am excited to be re-united with them to create The Suppliant Women and delighted that this will be my first show as Artistic Director of The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh”

Ramin Gray, Artistic Director of Actors Touring Company and director on The Suppliant Women says:

‘Like confronting a strange ruin and seeing your own plight, Aeschylus’ 2479 year old play speaks louder now than ever before.

After our work on The Events – which used the form of Greek theatre to investigate the politics of immigration – it feels entirely appropriate to bring the same team together to revive this first part of Aeschylus’ lost trilogy.

The Suppliant Women tells an astonishing tale of migration and challenge with political and moral complexity. Inspired by the Greeks we will work with local community choirs to create a telling collaboration between professional and amateur, between citizen and refugee, between men and women.

With the world’s oldest reference to the word ‘democracy’, this play excavates our shared European history to reveal something terrifyingly contemporary.’

Touring to Northern Stage, Newcastle; Belfast International Festival

Opening performance: Tuesday 4 October 2016

Join the conversation: #suppliantwomen

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Scottish Premiere

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company presents

Daniela Nardini in

JUMPY

by April De Angelis

directed by Cora Bissett

Cast includes Daniela Nardini

Dates: 27 October – 12 November 2016

This Life’s BAFTA multi-award winning actor, Daniela Nardini (whose recent screen credits include Terrace Davies’ film adaptation of Sunset Song and BBC dramas, Bob Servant andWaterloo Road) returns to The Lyceum stage in this deliciously irreverent hit West End comedy of mid-life crisis, teenage rebellion and a mother-daughter relationship in meltdown directed by Scottish theatre maker and musician, Cora Bissett.

Penned by acclaimed writer, April De Angelis (After Electra, Playhouse Creatures, The Life and Times of Fanny Hill), Jumpy is a frank and funny family drama which charts the perils of growing up and growing old with refreshing candour.

First performed in 2011 at the Royal Court Theatre, Cora Bissett, will provide a distinctly Scottish twist.  Cora’s credits include the Oliver award winning Roadkill, Glasgow Girls, andGrit: The Martyn Bennett Story.

Described by The Telegraph as ‘funny, deliciously rude and at times piercingly moving’, Jumpyhas since celebrated highly commended productions throughout the UK.

-You’re having some kind of crisis.
-It’s called being fifty. You must be having it too.

50 year old Hilary is a strong, intelligent woman who once protested at Greenham Common. Then, she felt she could change the world, but now, despite her protests, she can’t even change her daughters mind about wearing that skirt. Hilary’s job is on the line, her marriage is on life support, her best friend won’t grow up, and her teenage daughter has gone off the rails.

If life begins at fifty, it’s off to a shaky start.

Cora Bissett, Artistic Director of Pachamama and director on Jumpy says,

“I am absolutely delighted to be directing April De Angelis’s hit show ‘Jumpy’ in its Scottish premiere as part of David Greig’s first season at the Lyceum. It’s a sharp  tragi-comedy, acutely  observed but laugh out loud funny in that kind of painful oh-too-familiar sort of way. I’m very excited too to have Daniela Nardini returning to the stage in this brilliant central female lead role.”

Opening performance: Saturday 29 October

Join the conversation: #Jumpy

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World Premiere

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company presents

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND

by Lewis Carrol

devised and directed by Anthony Neilson

composed by Nick Powell

Dates: 26 November – 31 December 2016

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company is delighted to be working with inventive Edinburgh born theatre maker Anthony Neilson and composer Nick Powell to create a magical Victorian version of this family classic story by Lewis Carroll this Christmas.

Combining contemporary creative forces with traditional theatrical traits, the production promises a proper Victorian toybox of a show, and a trip down the rabbit hole which will both delight and surprise audiences of all ages.

This much-loved, otherworldly family tale continues The Lyceum’s recent Christmas literary tradition, following record-breaking performances of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Though perhaps best known for his darker dramas, which include The Big Lie (Latitude Festival, 2008) and The Drunks (Courtyard Theatre, 2009) both for the Royal Shakespeare Company, andThe Death of Klinghoffer (Herald Angel Award, Edinburgh International Festival/Scottish Opera, 2005), Anthony’s innovative and distinctive style will be redefined for a family audience, and complimented by Nick Powell’s engaging composition.

Nick, who founded Suspect Culture Theatre Company with Graham Eatough and David Greig, has toured and recorded with many bands, including Mcalmont & Butler (Chrysalis), Strangelove (EMI Records), and Astrid (Nude Records).  Nick’s recent credits working with David include Lanark: A Life in Three Acts (Citizens Theatre and Edinburgh International Festival 2015) and Dunsinane(National Theatre of Scotland and Royal Shakespeare Company 2015).

 “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” 

When Alice sees a snappily dressed white rabbit holding a pocket watch, she knows today is not going to be like any other – an adventure is beginning!  Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and tumble into Wonderland – a place where everyone and everything seems to be stark raving mad and things keep getting ‘curiouser and curiouser’.

Anthony Neilson, director on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland says:

“David Greig has long been one of our most accomplished and restlessly innovative artists and I feel genuinely honoured to be part of his first season as Artistic Director of The Lyceum. It will be wonderful to be back in my home town, making the Christmas show for this grand theatre in which I had so many of my most formative theatrical experiences. For many children, such shows are their first taste of live performance and, with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, I will endeavour to make a transporting, magical show that will inspire them to make theatregoing a lifelong habit.”

Opening performance Friday 2 December

Join the conversation: #AliceinWonderland

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UK Premiere

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Malthouse Theatre Melbourne, and Black Swan State Theatre Company present

PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK

by Tom Wright adapted from Joan Lindsay’s novel

directed by Matthew Lutton

Cast includes Harriet Gordon-Anderson, Arielle Gray, Amber McMahon, Elizabeth Nabben, and Nikki Shiels

Dates: 13 January – 28 January 2017

The Guardian, “This retelling of the Joan Lindsay cult classic proves the book’s postcolonial theme remains relevant – and will terrify the pants off you.”

Celebrating its UK premiere, renowned Australian companies, Malthouse Theatre and Black Swan State Theatre Company, bring Picnic at Hanging Rock, a haunting, iconic Australian bush tale, to The Lyceum stage in January 2017.  It will be directed by one of Australia’s brightest young creative talents, Matthew Lutton.

Picnic at Hanging Rock is a cult classic in its native country – originally a novel by Joan Lindsay (1967) and subsequently a film directed by Peter Weir (1975) this 2016 stage production was a huge hit in Melbourne and Perth.

Described by Australian Book Review as ‘a genuinely frightening experience’, this highly physical rendition of Picnic at Hanging Rock honours and enlivens a piece of Australian mythology that has cemented itself in the national psyche for fifty years.

Adapted by award-winning playwright Tom Wright (The War of the Roses, The Lost Echo), this chilling revision follows five performers as they struggle to solve the mystery of the missing girls and their teacher in the vast Australian Outback. Euphoria and terror reverberate throughout Appleyard College, as the potential for history to repeat itself becomes nightmarishly real.

Picnic at Hanging Rock is infused with the distinctive and unique culture of the Australian landscape and further solidifies Matthew Lutton’s unique talent for developing contemporary adaptations of iconic Australian works.

‘I know you’re there…Miranda? Miranda!’

The sun beat down on the faces of the three girls. It was bright and warm with not a cloud in the sky, but still the black shadow of Hanging Rock glowered over them…even on the brightest of days you can’t escape the dark…

On a summers day in 1900 three Australian schoolgirls grew tired of their classmates and yearned for adventure. Escaping their teacher’s watchful gaze, they absconded away from the group and towards the beckoning Hanging Rock – never to be seen again.

Matthew Lutton, Artistic Director of Malthouse Theatre and director of Picnic at Hanging Rock says:

‘Lindsay is one of Australia’s most revered writers. Her 1967 novel has haunted the Australian psyche for decades, inspired a legendary film, and speaks to Australia’s ongoing and uneasy relationship with colonialism and landscape. Malthouse Theatre is thrilled to be playing its re-imagining of Lindsay’s nightmare for audiences in Edinburgh and to be part of David Greig’s inaugural season at The Lyceum.’

Opening performance: Saturday 14 January

Join the conversation: #PicnicatHangingRock

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The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company presents

THE WINTER’S TALE

by William Shakespeare

directed by Max Webster

Dates: 9 February – 4 March 2017

The Winter’s Tale, one of The Bard’s most iconic and celebrated stories, will see Max Webster reunited with The Lyceum’s Artistic Director David Greig, following their recent work together on the smash-hit production of The Lorax, which premiered at The Old Vic in 2015.

Acclaimed artist Max Webster will bring a distinctive Scottish flair to this Shakespearean classic, with a troupe of actor-musicians, to create a vibrant and lyrical production of this bitter-sweet story which examines the themes of love, betrayal, magic, and misfortune.

‘Too hot! Too hot! To mingle friendship far is mingling blood … My heart dances and not for joy.’

When King Leontes suspects his wife Hermione of adultery his jealousy tears his family, and his kingdom, apart. The queen is banished and believed dead, while their daughter Perdita is abandoned among simple shepherd folk. Passionate tragedy interweaves with pastoral comedy, leading to one of Shakespeare’s most magical and moving denouements. 

Max Webster, director on The Winter’s Tale said:

“The Winter’s Tale has long been my favourite Shakespeare play. It speaks of family, jealousy and loss, but also of the power of love and hope to transform our lives. David Greig and and I really enjoyed collaborating together on The Lorax at the Old Vic last Christmas so I’m really proud to be part of what looks like an incredibly exciting and adventurous first season of work.”

Opening performance: Saturday 11 February

Join the conversation: #TheWintersTale

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The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and Citizens Theatre, Glasgow present

HAY FEVER

by Noël Coward

directed by Dominic Hill

Dates: 10 March – 1 April 2017

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh is delighted to be working again with Citizens Theatre, Glasgow to present Noël Coward’s much loved 1920s dark comedy which charts the unconventional antics of a self-dubbed ‘bohemian’ family of four.

Dominic Hill, award-winning Artistic Director of Citizens Theatre, will direct this funny and biting exploration of the games people play to avoid confronting the realities of life.

Noël Coward (1899 – 1973) is a much revered English playwright, actor, and composer best known for highly polished comedies of manners such as Private Lives and Design for Living.

Revelation, romance, and outright outlandish behaviour set the tone of this riotous farce.

‘Couldn’t you see that all my flippancy was only a mask, hiding my real emotions–crushing them down desperately!’

Welcome to a village idyll, home to the eccentric Bliss family. Siblings Simon and Sorel are speculating about whether their retired actress mother, Judith, might return to the stage, as their father, David, attempts to write his new novel.

This evening they have each invited a guest to stay at their rural retreat. As the party settle down to a post-dinner parlour game, the hapless visitors become playthings in the Bliss’ self-made melodrama.

Dominic Hill, Artistic Director of the Citizens Theatre and director of Hay Fever says,

“The Citizens Theatre and Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh have long enjoyed a close relationship. Working together has enabled our two theatres to present some fantastic co-productions in recent years, and I’m delighted that we’ll be working together again in David’s first season. I’ve always loved Hay Fever. It is a genuinely funny and insightful play with an acerbic cruelty that lifts it above a simple comedy of manners.”

Opening performance: Tuesday 14 March

Join the conversation: #HayFever

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Scottish Premiere

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company presents in partnership with Edinburgh International Science Festival

A NUMBER

by Caryl Churchill

directed by Zinnie Harris

Dates: April 2017

As part of the Edinburgh International Science Festival, The Lyceum presents the Scottish premiere of A Number by acclaimed contemporary playwright Caryl Churchill and directed by award-winning playwright, screenwriter and director, Zinnie Harris.

Combining compelling fiction with powerful debate, the play is a dynamic two-hander that explores the boundaries and ethics of science.

To serve the intensity of this award-winning play The Lyceum will transform its stage into an intimate studio space in the round allowing this provocative piece of theatre to sit at its heart, confronting its audiences, quite literally, from all angles.

Showcasing Caryl Churchill’s consummate skill in creating brilliantly compelling drama bristling with daring ideas, A Number premiered in 2002 at The Royal Court where it won the Evening Standard Award for Best Play. It has since been described by The Guardian as ‘punchy, compact, and endlessly inquisitive’.

Now in its 28thyear, the Edinburgh International Science Festival seeks to educate and inspire with a large-scale international programme of work over a two week period. A Number, will be the centrepiece of a programme of work at The Lyceum as part of the Festival.

‘Have you met the others?’

Bernard has spent 35 years believing he’s an only child, one of a kind, until he learns the chilling truth. He’s one of ‘a number’ of clones resulting from a nefarious genetic experiment. When he confronts his father, Salter, questions of identity and morality result in an explosive exchange with terrible consequences… 

Zinnie Harris, director on A Number says:

“Caryl Churchill’s number is a work of genius, I can’t wait to bring it to The Lyceum stage in David’s thrilling first season. A Number is a thought provoking and emotionally taut play that, like all Caryl’s work, knocks you sideways with her theatricality, leaving you exhilarated by the ideas and characters that you have encountered.”

Amanda Tyndall, Creative Director of Edinburgh International Science Festival, says:

“Edinburgh International Science Festival has long championed the value of linking science with the arts. Our Science in the Spotlight project brings together science and theatre to engage audiences with the big questions and debates of contemporary science, so we are delighted to be partnering with The Lyceum for the first time in 2017 to further develop this strand of our work.”

Opening performance: to be confirmed

Join the conversation: #ANumber

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World Premiere

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company presents

CHARLIE SONATA

by Douglas Maxwell

directed by Matthew Lenton

Dates: 29 April – 13 May 2017

The Lyceum are delighted to present this tender story of reunion and redemption, written by acclaimed Scottish playwright Douglas Maxwell and directed by Vanishing Point’s Artistic Director, Matthew Lenton.

Award-winning Douglas Maxwell, whose first play, the site-specific Decky Does a Bronco, was awarded numerous accolades including a Scotsman Fringe First Award for New Writing, returns with his gratifyingly moving comic style, and a story that offers both its anti-hero and its audience heart-warming salvation.

Under the guidance of Matthew Lenton, whose starkly profound 2014 international co-production Tomorrow further identified Vanishing Point as one of the UK’s most singular theatre companies, Charlie Sonata is in brilliantly daring hands.

What do you have to do to hold on?

Charlie ‘Chick’ Sonata likes a drink, and arrives back in Scotland for a boozy reunion with his old mates Gary and Jackson only to find Gary’s daughter has been the victim of a life-changing car accident. The antiseptic smell of the wards, the relentless beep of the life support, and the sterile hospital bed contrast sharply in Chick’s eye with the young wild-haired girl lying there unconscious; inspiring this downtrodden man to embark on a quest to save her life.

With redemptive purpose Chick wades out into the city night and amidst the swaying revellers, the streetlights and the scream of sirens he searches for an answer – a gutter-bound dreamer looking at the stars.

Matthew Lenton, Artistic Director of Vanishing Point and director on Charlie Sonata, said:

“Charlie Sonata is, in my opinion, the most beautiful play Douglas Maxwell has written. That it’s being performed at The Lyceum as part of David’s first season is brilliant for me, but also for Lyceum audiences, who will get to see a funny, soulful and moving new play.”

Opening performance: Tuesday 2 May

Join the conversation: #CharlieSonata

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World Premiere

The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company presents

GLORY ON EARTH

by Linda McLean

directed by David Greig

Dates: 20 May – 10 June 2017

Making his directorial debut at The Lyceum, David Greig joins forces with renowned Scottish playwright Linda McLean, for the world premiere of Glory on Earth, an astonishing account of the relationship between John Knox and Mary, Queen of Scots.

Set on Tuesday 19 August 1561 at 9 o’clock in the morning, the two acts begin at the same moment, but take place in starkly different realities. Taking its inspiration from four meetings between Mary and Knox, recorded in Knox’s History of the Reformation, the play charts the fatal dance between a charming young queen and an uncompromising old zealot as they battle for the hearts and souls of the people of Scotland.

Glory on Earth is a new commission written by multi-award winning Scottish playwright Linda McLean, whose work is characterized by poetry, mystery, and great emotional depth.

David Greig’s director credits include One Day in Spring (2012); This Wide Night (2014), and his own work Midsummer (2009).

“Whom shall I believe? And who shall be judge?”

Tuesday, 19th August, 1561, 9am.

Through the fog a ship arrives in Leith docks, Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots steps ashore. She is 19 and on her young shoulders rest the hopes of the Catholic establishment of Europe.

The Nation that receives her has just outlawed her church and its practices. Its leader is the radical cleric and protestant reformer, John Knox.

Both believe themselves ordained by God.
Both believe themselves beloved by their people.
Both were exiled and returned home… but only one can make Scotland their own.

Linda McLean, playwright of Glory on Earth says: “I can honestly say there isn’t a commission that’s made me happier in a very long time. Delving into the lives of John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots leaves me at turns warmly compassionate and fiercely outraged.  It’s an astonishing story”.

Opening performance: Tuesday 23 May

Join the conversation: #GloryOnEarth

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The Royal Lyceum Theatre Company presents

THE HOUR WE KNEW NOTHING OF EACH OTHER

by Peter Handke in a translation by Meredith Oakes

directed by Wils Wilson

movement by Janice Parker

Dates: June 2017

The Lyceum is thrilled to present a revival of Peter Handke’s engrossing and atmospheric 450 character production, The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other, directed by Lyceum Associate Artist Wils Wilson. Excitingly, the wordless production will feature a 100 strong, all-Edinburgh community cast, and a soundtrack of entirely new music.

Inspired by a scene witnessed in an Italian square, The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other is a play without words, narrated by music and animated by unspoken interaction. This production gives the simple pleasure of people watching a vibrant dramatic life as the audience weave a narrative out of the everyday scenes of a city.

Written in 1992, the piece is by award-winning Austrian playwright, novelist, and political activist Peter Handke.  Widely regarded as one of the most original contemporary German-language writers, Peter is celebrated for creating performances uninhibited by conventional plot, dialogue, and characters.

Wils Wilson’s recent work includes I Want My Hat Back (National Theatre, 2015, nominated for Olivier Award for Best Family and Entertainment Show); Praxis Makes Perfect (National Theatre of Wales, 2014), and her co-creation with David Greig, The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart(National Theatre of Scotland, 2010).

Wils Wilson, director of The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other says, “It is incredibly exciting and a real privilege to be part of David’s first season as Artistic Director of The Lyceum.

Directing Peter Handke’s The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other, is a once in a lifetime experience for a director.  The play takes place in a city square where, over the course of an hour, 400 characters pass by.  Not a single word is spoken but hundreds of stories are told.  Shifting from the real to the surreal, from the ridiculous to the intensely moving, it is a hymn to our shared humanity, to our desperate need to know one another and to the impossibility of doing so.  It’s a unique theatrical proposition and I’m thrilled – and slightly terrified – to be given the chance to direct it.  We’ll be working with a large community cast made up of Edinburgh citizens alongside a small group of professional performers.  I think of it as a lovesong to the city and its people in all their glorious diversity and I can’t wait to get started.”

Opening performance date: to be confirmed

Join the conversation: #TheHourWeKnewNothing

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VARIETY NIGHTS

To complement the Victorian splendour of The Lyceum we’ll be presenting regular Variety Nights featuring an ever-changing line-up of musicians, poets and theatre-makers. Well-known names and new discoveries will bring inspiration and entertainment to your Sunday nights. _____________________________________________________________________________

Lyceum Creative Learning for Season 2016/17

David Greig’s first season will strengthen The Lyceum’s commitment to creative learning and widen the opportunity for community participation with The Suppliant Women and The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other which will both star citizens from across the city.

Please email [email protected] to get details on how you can be part of The Suppliant Women and The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other.

The Lyceum will continue its pioneering work with schools opening up this season’s productions through tailored workshops, rich learning resources and access to casts and creative teams. Our flagship Creative Pathways programme continues this year in the form of Project Wonderland. It typically engages over 1000 pupils, teachers, families and community groups in a cross-curricular learning extravaganza. David Greig’s ambition for The Lyceum to be ever more outward-looking and connected with our local and theatrical community can only prompt even more exciting opportunities to educate, entertain and engage more groups in the creative life of the theatre.

Lyceum Youth Theatre will remain a leading light as a producer of quality theatre made by young people, offering them the chance to learn, develop and perform on our main stage, and engaging participants from a variety of areas and backgrounds.

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ARTISTS BIOGRAPHIES 2016

DAVID GREIG – ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE EDINBURGH

David Greig is The Lyceum’s Artistic Director as well as an acclaimed and award-winning playwright. His plays have been performed across the UK, as well as produced and toured around the world. Plays include The Lorax, which opened at The Old Vic for Christmas 2015; The Events (Traverse, Scotland and Young Vic); The Strange Undoing Of Prudencia Hart (Tron, National Theatre of Scotland); Midsummer (Traverse, Soho, and Tricycle); Dunsinane (RSC at Hampstead and National Theatre of Scotland); and the book for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the musical, which opened in the West End in 2013. Adaptations further includeCreditors (Donmar Warehouse); The Bacchae (Edinburgh International Festival); Tintin in Tibet(Barbican, Playhouse, and UK tour), When the Bulbul Stopped Singing (Traverse Theatre), which was awarded the Amnesty International, Tap Water, and Herald Angel awards.

David also writes for screen and radio and is currently under commission from the BBC, the Royal Court Theatre and Hillbilly Films, for whom he is currently writing two screenplays,

His directing credits include One Day in Spring (NTS / Oran Mor), Midsummer (Traverse), Found at Sea (Traverse), This Wide Night (Tron)

AMANDA GAUGHAN – ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR 2016/17 SEASON

Amanda Gaughan is a theatre director, her recent credits include:
Hedda Gabler, Hidden and The Weir (The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh);
Romance (Traverse Theatre/Cumbernauld Theatre); James Tait Prize (Traverse Theatre; National Theatre of Scotland; University of Edinburgh); Niqabi Ninja (Independent/Platform);Perfect Stroke (Traverse Theatre/Óran Mòr); Hecuba (Dundee Rep); Forest Boy (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland/Edinburgh Fringe/Arcola Theatre); Last One Out (Scottish Opera);Roman Bridge (National Theatre of Scotland); Fox Attack (National Theatre of Scotland/Óran Mòr); After the End (Citizens Theatre); The Natives (Old Vic New Voices); Medea, Blackout(Royal Conservatoire of Scotland); Fit for a King (The Arches) and associate director for The James Plays (National Theatre of Scotland/National Theatre of Great Britain/Edinburgh International Festival).

ANTHONY NEILSON – DIRECTOR, ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND

Anthony’s directorial credits include The Death of Klinghoffer – Herald Angel Award (Edinburgh International Festival/Scottish Opera, 2005); The Big Lie (Latitude Festival, 2008); The Drunks(Courtyard Theatre, 2009) both for the Royal Shakespeare Company; and Marat/Sade (Royal Shakespeare Company, 2011).

As a writer and director, his credits further include Unreachable, Narrative, Get Santa!, Relocated and The Lying Kind (Royal Court), God In Ruins (Soho Theatre); Realism (Edinburgh International Festival/Lyceum); The Wonderful World Of Dissocia (Tron/Edinburgh Lyceum/Theatre Royal Plymouth/Royal Court/national tour); The Seance (National Theatre Connections); The Menu (National Theatre); Edward Gant’s Amazing Feats Of Loneliness(Theatre Royal, Plymouth and Headlong Theatre Company national tour); Stitching – nominated Evening Standard Most Promising Newcomer (Traverse/Bush); The Censor – Writers’ Guild Award for Best Fringe Play (Finborough/Royal Court); The Night Before Christmas and The Year Of The Family (Finborough); Penetrator (Edinburgh Festival/Finborough/Royal Court); Normal: The Dusseldorf Ripper (Edinburgh Festival/Finborough) and Welfare My Lovely (Traverse).

Film and television credits include The Debt Collector (writer/director) – Winner of the Fipresci International Critics Award (Dragon Pictures/Film 4, 1999), Spilsbury (Stone City/BBC) and episodes of Spooks (writer).

APRIL DE ANGELIS – WRITER, JUMPY
April De Angelis is an acclaimed writer whose extensive theatre work includes After Electra(Theatre Royal Plymouth & Tricycle Theatre, 2015); Jumpy (Royal Court, 2011 & Duke of York’s Theatre, 2012, Melbourne and Sydney, 2015); Rune (New Vic Theatre Stoke, 2015); Playhouse Creatures (revived at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2013); Gastronauts (Royal Court Upstairs, 2013); The Life and Times of Fanny Hill (Bristol Old Vic, 2015). She’s currently under commission to the Rose Theatre, Kingston, the Royal Exchange, Manchester, and the National Theatre.

April has also written the libretto for Flight, with music by Jonathan Dove, for Glyndebourne Opera and The Silent Twins libretto, which was set to music by Errollyn Wallen, Almeida Theatre, 2007.

April’s work for radio includes an adaptation of Life in the Tomb for BBC Radio 3 in 2014, a serialisation of Peyton Place, Visitants for BBC Radio 4, and The Outlander for Radio 5, which won the Writer’s Guild Award in 1992.

TV work includes a BFI / Channel 4 commission, Aristophanes.

CORA BISSETT – DIRECTOR, JUMPY
Cora is a director, actor, songwriter and the Artistic Director of her award-winning company Pachamama, launched in 2010, which seeks to provide challenging roles for women in contemporary stories. She trained at the Royal Academy of Music and Drama and worked for 14 years as an actress across theatre, film and television. She has previously appeared at The Lyceum as an actress where she acted in productions; A Streetcar Named Desire, Miseryguts,Sunset Song and Comedy of Errors (all 2002). Other favourite roles include touring internationally with David Greig’s rom-com hit Midsummer (2009), winning the Stage Award for Best actress in the role of Helena.

Cora launched her company with the multi-award winning Roadkill (for Pachamama/Ankur Productions) which swept the boards at the Edinburgh Fringe, winning 9 awards followed by an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre in 2012, as well as an Amnesty International Award for Freedom of Speech). The production toured to Paris, London, Chicago and New York’s highly regarded St Anne’s Warehouse.

She co-created and directed Glasgow Girls, co-produced by Pachamama, NTS and Theatre Royal Stratford East and Richard Jordan and with book by David Greig, which went on to win Best New Musical in the Off West End Awards in 2013. In 2014 she co-created Grit –The Martyn Bennett Story, which won Event of the Year at the Scottish Trad Awards

Since joining the NTS as An Associate Director she co-created and directed RITES which toured the UK to critical acclaim and was nominated for ‘Best Production’ in the Manchester Theatre Awards 2016.

DANIELA NARDINI – ACTOR JUMPY

Daniela Nardini’s is a Scottish actor who has enjoyed success on stage and screen

Her work for theatre includes the lead role in David McVicar’s productions of Mary Queen Of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off (Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh) and Camille (Lyric, Hammersmith); Top Girls (Citizens Theatre), Cue Deadly (Riverside Studios) ; A Streetcar Named Desire (Donmar Warehouse)

Her TV credits include her double BAFTA winning role as Anna Forbes in This Life (BBC Two) her BAFTA winning role as Meredith McIlvanney in New Town (BBC Four), Undercover Heart (BBC One), New Town (BBC 4), Reckless (ITV); Big Women (Channel 4); Love in the 21st Century (Channel 4); Tube Tales (1999);

She has appeared in several films, including Elephant Juice (1999); Cargo (2004), and Festival(2005), Rough Treatment (2000); Sunset Song (2015)

DOMINIC HILL – DIRECTOR, HAY FEVER
Dominic Hill is Artistic Director of the Citizens Theatre. Since joining the Citizens in 2011, he has directed Endgame, The Choir, Fever Dream: Southside , A Christmas Carol , Hamlet, The Libertine, Miss Julie, Crime and Punishment (winner of Best Director and Best Production, 2014 CATS Awards), Far Away , Seagulls, Doctor Faustus, Sleeping Beauty, Krapp’s Last Tape, Footfalls, King Lear, and Betrayal (winner of Best Director, 2012 CATS Award) and most recentlyThis Restless House (Citizens Theatre/National Theatre Scotland)

Before joining the Citizens he was Artistic Director of the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh and Joint Artistic Director of Dundee Rep. Other credits include Falstaff and Macbeth (Scottish Opera) and The City Madam (Royal Shakespeare Company). He has directed in theatres in London and throughout the UK.

DOUGLAS MAXWELL – WRITER, CHARLIE SONATA
Douglas Maxwell has been one of Scotland’s top playwrights since his debut in 2000. His recent work includes Yer Granny, a version of Roberto Cossa’s La Nona, for the National Theatre of Scotland and Fever Dream: Southside for The Citizens, Glasgow.

His many other plays include Decky Does a Bronco, Mancub, Promises Promises (staged in New York as The Promise), and A Respectable Widow Takes to Vulgarity.

His plays have been performed in translation in Germany, Norway, Hong Kong, New York, Chicago, Holland, Canada, Sweden, New Zealand, Wales, Japan, France, Belgium and South Korea, where his debut play Our Bad Magnet ran for over ten years.

His plays are published by Oberon books. His first collection of work focuses on his writing for younger audiences. As well as Decky Does a Bronco and Mancub, the volume also contains Too Fast, The Mother Ship and Helmet.

He teaches on the MLitt Playwriting and Dramaturgy course at Glasgow University.

Douglas lives on the Southside of Glasgow with his wife and two daughters.

JANICE PARKER – MOVEMENT ON THE HOUR WE KNEW NOTHING OF EACH OTHER
Janice Parker is Artistic Director of Janice Parker Projects and is an award-winning choreographer and dance-maker based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Janice is known for her collaborative performance projects with people of all ages and abilities locally, nationally, and internationally. She works across art forms and promotes the value of diversity and difference in the development of movement based art works.  Janice makes live performance, film, installation based work and also performs.

Her work in theatre includes Movement Director for Crazy Jane (Birds of Paradise; 2015);Endurance (A Moments Peace, 2014); Kes (Catherine Wheels, 2011); The Strange Undoing of Prudentia Hart (National Theatre of Scotland, 2011 & 2014); Truant (National Theatre of Scotland, 2011); Age of Arousal (Stellar Quines/ The Lyceum, 2011), and The Girls of Slender Means (Stellar Quines/Assembly, 2009).

Currently she is working in residence with Festival Theatre Edinburgh on a new work in collaboration with a performer living with dementia, creating a large scale performance work in Fagaras, Romania and an installation based work that focuses on her 35 years of practice.

LINDA McLEAN – WRITER, GLORY ON EARTH
Linda McLean is a Scottish playwright based in Glasgow. Her plays include the award winningAny Given Day; strangers, babies; Shimmer; Riddance ; One Good Beating; Cold Cuts, and Every Five Minutes. She has written plays for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Scotland, the last being Zombie Rule Number 9. She was Chairwoman of the Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland from 2008-15 and is an artistic associate of Magic Theatre, San Francisco.  An anthology of her work, in French, was published in 2015 by Actes Sud-Papiers.

Linda has worked for the British Council in Mexico City, Teluca and Bogota. In 2009 she delivered the keynote speech to the Playwrights’ Guild of Canada. Linda was the Creative Fellow at Edinburgh University’s Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities in 2011.

This year she has plays on in Brighton, Avignon, Los Angeles, Seattle and Toronto.

Currently, Linda is writing an adaptation of Alice Munro’s The View from Castle Rock for Stellar Quines and the Edinburgh International Book Festival

MATTHEW LENTON – DIRECTOR, CHARLIE SONATA
Matthew is the founder and Artistic Director of Vanishing Point. His work with Vanishing Point has been performed across the UK, Europe, South America, Russia and China. Recent productions include The Beggar’s Opera (a co-production with the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh and the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry);The Destroyed Room (BAC London/Tron Theatre Glasgow); Tomorrow (Brighton Festival/Tramway/CenaContemporanea Brasilia/Hangzhou Westbrook International Arts Festival); The Beautiful Cosmos of Ivor Cutler(NTS/Brighton Festival); Wonderland (Edinburgh International Festival/Napoli Teatro Festival Italia/Tramway); Saturday Night, (a co-production with Teatro Nacional Sao Joao, Porto; Teatro Sao Luiz, Lisbon; Centro Cultural Vila Flor, Guimaraes; and Tramway, Glasgow); Interiors (a co-production with Napoli Teatro Festival Italia, Traverse Theatre and Lyric Hammersmith, 2009); Little Otik (a co-production with the National Theatre of Scotland, 2008), and Subway(commissioned by The Lyric Hammersmith).

Other work includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh;Striptease/Out at Sea (Citizens Theatre); Spectretown (Stoirm Òg); Mister Holgado and The Legend of Captain Crow’s Teeth for the Unicorn Theatre in London, and Home for the National Theatre of Scotland.

Matthew works regularly as a visiting director at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and in 2010, became the first British director of the Ecole des Maitres, a European director-led theatre laboratory previously associated with Jerzy Grotowsky, Peter Stein, Emuntas Nekrosias and Jan Fabre.

Upcoming productions include The Merchant of Venice for The National Theatre of Kosovo in Prishtina, Bluebeard’s Castle and a new opera The 8th Door, a co-production with Vanishing Point and Scottish Opera, The Destroyed Room and Interiors (Edinburgh International Festival), and Charlie Sonata (Royal Lyceum Edinburgh).

MATTHEW LUTTON – DIRECTOR, PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK
Matthew Lutton is Artistic Director of the Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne. Prior to this, he was Malthouse Theatre’s Associate Director, and the director of the Perth-based theatre company ThinIce. For Malthouse Theatre, he has directed Picnic at Hanging Rock (2016), I Am a Miracle(2015), Night on Bald Mountain (2014), The Bloody Chamber (2013), Dance of Death (2013), Pompeii, L.A. (2012), On the Misconception of Oedipus (2012), Die Winterreise (2012), The Trial(2010), and Tartuffe (2008). Other directing credits include Love Me Tender (Belvoir, 2010), The Mysteries: Genesis, and The Duel (both Sydney Theatre Company, 2009). His opera directing credits include The Flying Dutchman(New Zealand Opera, 2013), Elektra (West Australian Opera/ Opera Australia, 2012), and Make No Noise (Bavarian State Opera, 2011).

MAX WEBSTER – DIRECTOR, THE WINTER’S TALE
Max Webster is fast emerging as one of the most exciting directors working in the UK and internationally. He trained at the Jacque Lecoq theatre school in Paris and as a long term assistant to Eugenio Barba and Simon McBurney. He was the recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Director’s bursary at the Manchester Royal Exchange and was first Baylis Director at The Old Vic, where he directed Dr Seuss’s The Lorax.

Recent work includes King Lear (Royal and Derngate, Northampton and UK Tour, 2016); Mary Stuart (PARCO Productions, Tokyo, 2015); Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare’s Globe and international tour, 2015); Orlando (2014); To Kill a Mockingbird (2013), and My Young and Foolish Heart (2012, all Manchester Royal Exchange); Opera Highlights (Scottish Opera and tour, 2015); James and the Giant Peach (2014/15) and My Generation (2013, both West Yorkshire Playhouse); Twelfth Night (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, 2014); Skewered Snails (Iron Oxide/Southbank Centre, 2012); Anna Karenina (Arcola, 2011); The Chalk Circle (Aarohan Theatre, Nepal, 2010); Sense (Southwark Playhouse, 2009); Carnival Under the Rainbow (2009)and Feast Kakulu (2008, both Hilton Arts Festival, South Africa); Mustard (Company of Angels, 2008), and Finisterre (Theatre503, 2007).

JOHN MCGRATH – WRITER, THE CHEVIOT, THE STAG AND THE BLACK, BLACK OIL
John McGrath is renowned for setting up the theatre company 7:84 Scotland Theatre Company in 1971. Its aim was to take popular, political theatre to the working classes, and they performed in alternative venues throughout Scotland, England and Wales. The title of the company derived from a 1966 statistic that 7% of the population of Great Britain owned 84% of the wealth.  The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil, first performed in 1973, is its most famous production.

JOE DOUGLAS – DIRECTOR, THE CHEVIOT, THE STAG AND THE BLACK, BLACK OIL
Joe Douglas is a theatre director, writer and performer.  He has won Fringe Firsts for Letters Home (Grid Iron/Edinburgh International Book Festival, 2014) and Educating Ronnie (Macrobert/Utter, 2012), and has recently been appointed Associate Artistic Director of Dundee Rep Theatre.

JOHN BROWNE – COMPOSER, THE SUPPLIANT WOMEN
In addition to The Events (2013), John Browne’s works have been performed at the Royal Opera House (Demon Juice, 2007; Babette’s Feast, 2002), English National Opera (Early Earth Operas, 2004; Midnight’s Children, 1998), Southbank Centre (A Nightingale Sang, 2011) and Westminster Abbey (Small Selves,  Out of Suffering, both 2011). In the last few years he has been composer-in-residence at FNSNM, Kings College London, created choral arrangements for the band Elbow, composed the score for The Itch of the Golden Nit (2011), a BAFTA award-winning film by Aardman, been an adjudicator for BBC Young Musician of the Year since 2012, created a music-theatre piece in Rwanda, and run workshops for the British Council in China and India.  John is a Cultural Fellow of Glasgow Caledonian University.

NICK POWELL – COMPOSER, ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND
Nick has worked extensively with companies including the National Theatre, Paines Plough and Improbable as well as twelve shows with Suspect Culture which he founded with Graham Eatough and David Greig. He also writes extensively for the screen including BAFTA winnersBeneath the Veil and Death in Gaza. He is co-composer of the music for BBC3’s Lip Service and recently scored the Spanish feature Dispongo de Barcos for writer/director Juan Cavestany, and has also scored three of the films of visual artist Phil Collins.

His recent work for theatre includes: The Haunting of Hill House (Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, 2015); a revival and tour of Lord of the Flies (Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, 2015); Lanark: A Life in Three Acts (Citizens Theatre, Glasgow/ Edinburgh International Festival); Wolf Hall / Bring up the Bodies (RSC/ West End Broadway); Dunsinane (US Tour/NTS);The King’s Speech (Chichester Festival Theatre/Tour); Of Mice and Men (Birmingham Rep); The Nether (West End and Royal Court); The Mistress Contract, The Ritual Slaughter of Gorge Mastromas (Royal Court); Othello (National Theatre); A Life of Galileo and Richard III (RSC); 27 and THE WHEEL (National Theatre of Scotland); DUNSINANE, THE DRUNKS and GOD IN RUINS (RSC); THE FAMILY REUNION (Donmar Warehouse); BONHEUR (Comedie Francais); The Wonderful World of Dissocia (Winner – Best Production in both the TMA and Scottish Theatre Awards, National Theatre of Scotland, 2007) and he co-created and composed the musical The Wolves in the Walls for the National Theatre of Scotland and Improbable (Winner – Best Show for Young People – TMA Awards, 2006) with successful productions in Scotland, London and New York.

Nick has also toured and recorded with many bands including Mcalmont & Butler (Chrysalis), Strangelove (EMI Records) and Astrid (Nude Records). He is one half of OSKAR, who have performed live scores for three PRADA fashion shows in Milan, exhibited installations at the V&A and the CCA Glagsow as well as producing two albums AIR CONDITIONING and LP:2

RAMIN GRAY – DIRECTOR, THE SUPPLIANT WOMEN
Before taking up the post at ATC, Ramin Gray was Associate Director at the Royal Court Theatre where he directed the Presnyakov Brothers’ Terrorism , Vassily Sigarev’s Ladybird , Marius von Mayenburg’s The Ugly One  and The Stone , Simon Stephens’ Motortown , and Mark Ravenhill’s Over There . For the RSC, he directed David Greig’s The American Pilot .

Ramin’s extensive work abroad includes the Salzburg Festival, Schaubuehne Berlin, Praktika Moscow, Husets Copenhagen and many more. Opera credits include Benjamin Britten’s Death in Venice  (Hamburg Staatsoper and Theater an der Wien), Brett Dean’s Bliss, and Beat Furrer’s La Bianca Notte . Ramin recently directed Gerald Barry’s much acclaimed opera of The Importance of Being Earnest  for the Royal Opera at the Barbican/Lincoln Center.

ZINNIE HARRIS – DIRECTOR, A NUMBER
Zinnie Harris is a playwright, screenwriter and director. Her stage plays include the multi-award winning Further than the Furthest Thing (National Theatre/Tron theatre, 2000); How to Hold Your Breath (Royal Court Theatre, 2015), and This Restless House (Citizens Theatre/National Theatre Scotland, 2016) As a director she has directed for the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Tron Theatre, 7:84, the Sound Festival, and most recently the Traverse Theatre, where she is the Associate Director.

KARINE POLWART – MUSICIAN AND THEATRE-MAKER, WIND RESISTANCE
Four-times winner at The BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, including twice for Best Original Song, Karine’s most recent album Traces (produced by Iain Cook of Chvrches), was shortlisted for both the Scottish Album of the Year Award and BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Album of the Year. The Guardian chose it as international folk-roots release of 2012. Her debut solo album Faultlineswon Best Album at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards back in 2005, following six years of touring as a traditional Scots singer with Malinky and Battlefield Band.

Karine has composed for two Scottish BAFTA-nominated animation shorts, and produced song commissions for radio and for documentary film, including the award-winning You’ve Been Trumped (2011). She has worked in collaboration with Lau, the RSNO, RM Hubbert, King Creosote and Greek-Cypriot songwriter and composer Alkinoos Ioannidis.

2016 finds Karine writing about human migration for Flit, an Edinburgh International Festival, Barbican and SAGE Gateshead co-production directed by Martin Green of Lau, and Adrian Utley, ex of Portishead, and Becky Unthank. She has already this year composed her first stage score and soundscape for Puppet State Theatre’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Leaf, By Niggle and has co-directed Pilgrimer, novelist James Robertson’s audacious Scots language re-imagining of Joni Mitchell’s classic album Hejira.

WILS WILSON – ASSOCIATE ARTIST AT THE LYCEUM THEATRE, AND DIRECTOR ON WIND RESISTANCE AND THE HOUR WE KNEW NOTHING OF EACH OTHER
Wils Wilson is a theatre maker and director who has created performances in an abandoned house, on a ferry, in a department store at night, in pubs, in and on cars, and even sometimes in theatres.  Her audiences have been invited to eat, dance, walk, sing, drink tea and do the conga – amongst other things.  Previous work includes the Olivier-nominated I Want My Hat Back(National Theatre), Praxis Makes Perfect (Best Director, Welsh Theatre Awards) and The Insaitable Inflatable Candylion ( both National Theatre Wales), HOME Shetland;  Gobbo (2006, winners of CATS Awards), The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart (which also won a Herald Angel and has been touring nationally and internationally since 2011), and Ignition (all National Theatre of Scotland). Her other recent work includes Scuttlers (Manchester Royal Exchange),ANON ( Welsh National Opera), Gastronauts (Royal Court) and Manchester Lines (Manchester Library Theatre).  Until 2007, Wils was co-Artistic Director of wilson+wilson, making site-specific work across the UK, where her work included HOUSE, Mapping the Edge, News from the Seventh Floor and Mulgrave.

KSW Productions and The LOST Theatre presents:

DARLINGTON SET TO TWIST AND SHOUT

Audiences are gearing up to Twist and Shout as the West End smash hit Beatles musical Let It Be comes to Darlington Civic Theatre in May.

Let It Be celebrates the music of the world’s most successful rock ‘n’ roll band in a spectacular concert charting the band’s meteoric rise from their humble beginnings in Liverpool’s Cavern Club, through the height of Beatlemania, to their later studio masterpieces. They were just four boys from Liverpool who went on to change the world.

The show celebrates music history’s greatest ever worldwide phenomenon and is packed with over 40 of The Beatles’ greatest hits, including Twist and Shout, She Loves You and Drive My Car, as well as global mega hits Yesterday, Hey Jude, Come Together and, of course, Let It Be. Travel back to the Swinging Sixties when all you needed was love, and a little help from your friends!

Audiences can look forward to a show lasting more than two hours bursting with timeless hits, showstopping sets, dazzling costumes and a brilliant performance which fans will never forget.

Let It Be is at Darlington Civic Theatre from Monday 9 to Saturday 14 May. Tickets* are priced from £21.80

To book contact the Box Office on 01325 486 555 or visit www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk

*All ticket prices include a £1 restoration levy

• NEW CAST TO JOIN DISNEY’S THE LION KING IN THE WEST END

• NEW ZEALANDER NICHOLAS AFOA TO STAR AS SIMBA

Disney Theatrical Productions today announced that new cast will join the London production of THE LION KING from May 2016. Alongside changes in the ensemble cast, Nicholas Afoa is to take on the role of Simba at the Lyceum Theatre.

Nicholas Afoa made his stage debut as Simba in the Australian production of THE LION KING in 2013 and played Simba in the Sydney production of the landmark musical between 2013 and 2016 performing more than 860 times over that period. The opportunity to play the role in the West End production will bring Afoa to London for the first time, as he embarks on his second professional theatre engagement.

Not unlike his character in THE LION KING, Afoa has had a journey to take his place on stage. The New Zealand-born, Auckland-raised performer had a promising rugby career with the All Blacks until he was sidelined by injury.  After recovering and dedicating himself to his theatre career, nearly a decade later the 30 year-old beat 400 other hopefuls to the role of Simba in the Australian production.

Afoa is currently in rehearsal and will appear in the production from 10th May 2016. Other new members of the cast include: Etian Almeida, Jonathan Andre, Janique Charles, Zinhle Dube, Sandile Gontsana, Kwesi Jeffers, Stephanie Lo, Sadia McEwen, Khaya Maseko, Daniel Monteiro, Nosipho Nkonqa, Dominique Planter, Antoine Murray-Straughan, Kayode Salina and Ricardo Walker.

Disney’s award-winning musical THE LION KING is now in its 17th triumphant year at London’s Lyceum Theatre. Since the UK premiere in London on Tuesday 19th October 1999, THE LION KING has entertained over 13 million theatregoers and remains the West End’s best-selling stage production. It is currently the sixth longest-running West End musical of all time. Tickets are currently on sale until 2nd October 2016 for individuals and 4th June 2017 for Groups.

Julie Taymor’s internationally-celebrated stage adaptation of Disney’s beloved animated film premiered on Broadway in 1997 and has now been seen by more than 80 million people across six continents. Eight productions are running concurrently around the globe. In addition to the record-breaking productions in London and New York, The Lion King can currently be seen in Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, Mexico City; and on tour across North America and Japan.

THE LION KING is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. 

Listings Information

Disney’s THE LION KING
Lyceum Theatre
21 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7RQ

Box Office number: 0844 871 3000
www.thelionking.co.uk

THE LION KING plays Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm with matinee performances on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm.

There is no performance on a Monday evening.

June 29th – July 23rd 2016, Above the Arts Theatre

The creators behind stylish new drama and love story Savage, which uncovers the tragic tale of a Nazi doctor and his ill-conceived “cure” for homosexuality, are proud to announce the cast for the West End premiere production at the Arts Theatre.

 “Claudio Macor’s writing works a treat” (Tim Walker on The Tailor-Made Man)

The show stars Gary Fannin (The Reduced Shakespeare Company; Spectre; 24: Live Another Day) as Dr

Carl Peter Værnet , Alexander Huetson (Edward Bond’s Dea, Sutton Theatres; Phil Willmott’s Encounter,

Above the Stag) as Nikolai Bergsen and Nic Kyle (The Grand Tour, Finborough Theatre; Closer to Heaven,

Union Theatre) as Zack Travis. The team are also thrilled to be working with Bradley Clarkson (Flames, Waterloo East Theatre; Murderer, Upstairs at The Gatehouse) as General Heinrich Von Aechelman after his role in previous success The Tailor-Made Man. Other cast includes Lee Knight (Much Ado About

Nothing, Wyndham’s Theatre West End; Drama at Inish, Finborough Theatre; Archimedes Principle, Park

Theatre) as Georg Jensen, Emily Lynne (She Loves Me and Romance Romance, Landor Theatre) as Ilse

Paulsen, Christopher Hines (Phil Willmott’s Encounter, Above The Stag; Aladdin, Newbury Corn Exchange;

The Ring Cycle, the Scoop; Doctors, BBC) as Major Ronald Hemingway. Kristian Simeonov (East 15 Acting School) completes the cast, and makes his London stage professional debut as Goran.

In the late 1930s, Danish doctor Carl Peter Værnet discovered what he believed to be “the cure for homosexuality”, and was given a prominent post at the Nazi concentration camp Buchenwald. After the liberation by Allied forces, Dr Værnet was allowed to flee to South America, where he continued to experiment on thousands of live subjects, with the full knowledge of both the British and Danish authorities.

 “easy to imagine on a bigger stage” (The Daily Telegraph on The Tailor-Made

Man)

Savage will uncover the story of Dr Værnet and present it alongside a love story exploring how Dr Værnet’s “cure” might have affected the homosexual men experimented on. He remains largely unwritten about and unresearched, apart from a ground-breaking piece by Guardian journalist Peter Tatchell in 2015, who will be taking part in a post-show Q & A.

 “a compelling story (…) a highly enjoyable evening” (The Arts Desk on The

Tailor-Made Man)

THE MAKE A DIFFERENCE TRUST (MAD TRUST)
APPOINTS STAFF TO TWO NEW ROLES:
ALASTAIR HUDSON AS CHARITY MANAGER AND
CHRIS CLEGG AS EVENTS MANAGER

The Make A Difference Trust (MAD Trust) has appointed Alastair Hudson as Charity Manager and Chris Clegg as Events Manager, in the two newly created positions at the organisation.

With a legacy of over 25 years, the MAD Trust, trading as TheatreMAD, brings together the theatre industry and its supporters to raise funds for HIV and AIDS projects that raise awareness, and provide care, support and education in the United Kingdom and Sub-Saharan Africa. The Trust also supports those in the entertainment industry facing hardship as a result of a long term illness.

Alastair Hudson, who has been appointed Charity Manager, came to London in 1998 from Glasgow to study at London Studio Centre when the HIV/AIDS landscape was a very different one to what we have today. He worked for many years in the performing arts, moving into training and sexual health in his mid-thirties. He has worked with many of the UK’s leading HIV and sexual and reproductive health organisations including The International Planned Parenthood Federation, Brook Young People and the Family Planning Association. More recently he has been coordinating The People Living with HIV Stigma Index in the UK, looking at the stigma and discrimination our community is still experiencing and that affects uptake and retention in HIV services across the cascade.

Alastair said: “I am very excited to be joining The Make a Difference Trust at what I see as being one of the most exciting and critical times in our HIV response. Over the last few years we have seen significant developments in our treatment and prevention options. We have a perfect storm of opportunity to both position and strengthen our unique value add and also impact the conversation as a small but mighty charity committed to ‘Fighting HIV one stage at a time’.”

Chris Clegg, who has been appointed Events Manager, has numerous West End production credits to his name, most recently bringing the cult musical classic Cool Rider to the West End for two sold-out runs, receiving 5-star reviews, 9 Broadwayworld nominations, and a Top Ten album on the iTunes soundtrack charts. He produced the critically-acclaimed musical Betwixt for an extended run at in the West End, with a limited run at the Courtyard Theatre, a two-month run at the King’s Head Theatre, and an all-star West End concert in aid of TheatreMAD starring Sheridan Smith. Chris produced the UK Premieres of Shoshana Bean in the West End, Homemade Fusion, Wolfboy, Zombie Prom, and the first ever full show of YouTube sensation Miranda Sings! live in the West End.

Chris was Production Coordinator for the Whatsonstage.com Awards at the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2009 & 2010, at 25 became the youngest Theatre Manager in the West End when managing The Ambassadors Theatre, runs the successful design blog ‘Minimal Musicals’, and has just finished working for theatre impresario and producer Bill Kenwright as Marketing Manager.

Chris said: “I’m beyond excited to be joining The Make A Difference Trust as Events Manager. One of the first shows I produced, Betwixt! In Concert starring Sheridan Smith and David Bedella, was in aid of the charity and since then I have been to many events, and admired the ethos and aims of the company. I’m very much hoping to build on the history that the MAD Trust has, and to move the charity forward producing more events, making them bigger, more exiting, and more inclusive than ever before, working with incredibly talented and dedicated people on and off stage, and continuing to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS through all the work we do. I’m always about for a chat too – so reach out and let’s Make A Difference!”

To find our more about The Make A Difference Trust, visit: http://www.madtrust.org.uk/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/madtrust
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madtrust.org.uk/

BLOOMBERG SUMMER AT THE ROUNDHOUSE
RON ARAD’S CURTAIN CALL
6 – 29 AUGUST 2016

• RON ARAD’S INCREDIBLE INSTALLATION CURTAIN CALL RETURNS TO THE ICONIC ROUNDHOUSE AS PART OF ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

• IMMERSIVE 360° FLOOR-TO-CELLING ARTWORK WILL FILL THE ROUNDHOUSE’S MAIN SPACE, DISPLAYING NEW BESPOKE COMMISSIONS BY SOME OF RON ARAD’S FAVOURITE ARTISTS

• UNIQUE MUSIC EVENTS INCLUDING BBC PROMS AT THE ROUNDHOUSE, MATTHEW HERBERT, ESKA & DAN DEACON TO TAKE PLACE WITHIN THE INSTALLATION

• ROUNDHOUSE MEMBERS PRE-SALE FROM 10AM ON 28 APRIL, PUBLIC ON-SALE FROM 10AM ON 29 APRIL

Bloomberg Summer at the Roundhouse, the annual season dedicated to introducing new audiences to innovative culture, returns for its fifth consecutive year this summer withCurtain Call by internationally renowned artist, architect and designer Ron Arad. After receiving critical acclaim for the piece in 2011, Arad will reinvent the curtain experience by inviting brand new collaborators to work with him on the 360° immersive installation, alongside returning artists from 2011. Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the work will be showcased at the Roundhouse from 6 – 29 August 2016 as part of the iconic London venue’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Curtain Call will provide a canvas for films, live performance and audience interaction. Created by Arad in 2011 as a response to the Roundhouse’s dramatic main space, the work is made of 5,600 silicon rods suspended from an 18 metre diameter ring. This summer, Arad will again invite artists, musicians and friends to create unique work for the installation. New artists for 2016 include: Kutiman, Marshmallow Laser Feast and Universal Everything. Returning from 2011 will be: Babis Alexiadis; Mat Colishaw; Ori Gersht; Greenaway & Greenaway; Gabriel & Shira Klasmer; Christian Marclay; Javier Mariscal; SDNA and David Shrigley.

Ron Arad said of Curtain Call: “Walk in, penetrate, cross the moving images to get inside the cylinder. You’ll be engulfed by images –a captive, but also a creator. It’s amazing what exciting things happen on both sides of the curtain.”

Alongside Curtain Call, the Roundhouse will present a series of live music events running as lates in tandem with the installation. With more acts still to be announced, Bloomberg Summer at the Roundhouse will present the return of the BBC Proms to the Roundhouse with music by British composer David Sawyer, critically-acclaimed, Mercury Music Prize nominated Eska, blending folk, choral, soul, electronica and psychedelia, Ivor Novello nominated DJ and musician Matthew Herbert brings ‘Matthew Herbert presents NUDE’with support from Lail Arad, electronic-music iconoclast Dan Deacon and the London Contemporary Orchestra which will feature world premieres of two new commissions by composers Mica Levi and CHAINES. The BBC Proms concert will go on-sale on 24 June.

In 2016 the Roundhouse celebrates 50 years since opening as a groundbreaking arts venue and 10 years of using the arts to transform the lives of young people with its state-of-the-art creative centre.

Marcus Davey, Roundhouse Artistic Director and Chief Executive said: “2016 is a landmark year for the Roundhouse, so it feels fitting to be bringing back Ron Arad’s iconic and much-loved installation as part of our anniversary celebrations. We are thrilled to be presenting acclaimed artists from the worlds of art and music throughout the month of August once again as part of Bloomberg Summer at the Roundhouse.”

Bloomberg Philanthropies has supported the Roundhouse since 2003, including Ron Arad’s original Curtain Call in 2011. The long-term partnership builds on a shared commitment to supporting artistic innovation, ground breaking technologies and access for new audiences in the arts. In addition to Bloomberg Summers and various artistic collaborations, Bloomberg’s support provides a vocational skills-based training programme in broadcasting for young people who are not in employment, education or training. This year, trainees from the Bloomberg Broadcast Programme will have the chance to directly participate and have their work showcased at Curtain Call. In this way, Bloomberg enables new talent in the broadcast sector to connect with the leading practitioners who are active in the arts world today.

#CurtainCall

Mark Puddle sells The Lord Chamberlain’s Men to Peter Stickney for an undisclosed sum

 

In May 2016, Peter Stickney will take over from Mark Puddle as the new owner and Artistic Director of The Lord Chamberlain’s Men.

Mark, who created the company in 2005, will complete the handover in May. Peter, who is about to direct his first production for the company, performed as an actor with The Lord Chamberlain’s Men in 2007 and 2008 and has been the associate producer for the last three years.

Peter said, “Since I first performed with the company in a tour of Romeo and Juliet. I knew that I was part of something special. The venues the company performs at, the strong following the company has and the unique nature of playing Shakespeare as he intended it to be seen, in the open-air with an all-male cast. I was hooked! I returned the following year to perform again and have worked for the company ever since.”

It has been eleven years since Mark Puddle, when aged just 25, convinced Buckingham Palace that he should be allowed to recreate The Lord Chamberlain’s Men (TLCM)*.  In that first year, 2005, TLCM toured to a few venues, a handful of audience members and the odd peacock! They now play to over 40,000 audience members a year at 80 of the most beautiful and historically important venues in the country.

Puddle, 36, is credited with creating an artistically vibrant theatre company that has produced clear, bold storytelling coupled with huge commercial success. All this accomplished without any Arts Council funding or grant aid, surviving on ticket sales alone. One of his proudest achievements, he said, was “that we led the way in creating the outdoor Equity Guidelines and as such the open-air sector is a much safer and more reputable place to work than when we first started.”

Over the last eleven years, TLCM has travelled more than 100,000 miles, to over 200 venues in seven different countries and performed in excess of 1,000 shows to more than 300,000 people. The company travels the whole country from Truro to Inverness and everywhere in between, including an international leg of the tour, which this year takes in France, Holland and Germany. The company have added a few new venues this year as well as returning to all their old favourites.

On what to expect in this next chapter for the company Stickney said, “First and foremost, I’m not going to fix what isn’t broken. Mark has done a fantastic job. To build a theatre company from scratch with no public funding whatsoever, surviving purely on ticket sales, is incredible in this day and age. What I am looking to do is explore new opportunities. We are well known, and rightly so, for our fantastic open-air tour in the summer but I am keen to see us move indoors as well, to theatres or other performance venues to give the company a year-round presence and allow us to tackle other of Shakespeare’s great plays and perhaps, even, other authors. I also aim to raise the international profile of this magnificent company.”

Mark Puddle added, “I am delighted that The Lord Chamberlain’s Men will be owned and managed by a former actor of the company. Peter’s energy, love of Shakespeare and passion to take the company forward means that he is the right person to build on the considerable achievements of the last eleven years. I want to thank our amazing audiences, venues and team for what has been a remarkable eleven years and hope everyone continues to join Peter and The Lord Chamberlain’s Men on the next chapter of this extraordinary journey.”

Peter’s first production as Artistic Director is Much Ado About Nothing. The cast includes James Lavender, Jon Tozzi, Jordan Bernarde, Joshua Meredith, Matthew McFetridge, Nathan Coenen and Oliver Buckner. It opens on 8th June and then tours nationally until 4^th September before heading to France, Holland and Germany and finishing on 25th Spetember.

 

Peter Stickney summed up by saying, “It is a huge honour to be taking over the artistic direction of The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. I look forward to taking the company on into the next decade and beyond!”

ROALD DAHL’S CITY OF THE UNEXPECTED
Wales Millennium Centre & National Theatre Wales
Directed by Nigel Jamieson
17-18 September 2016, Cardiff city centre
http://www.cityoftheunexpected.wales/

Wales Millennium Centre and National Theatre Wales have today called out to the people of Cardiff, Wales and Britain to take part in Roald Dahl’s City of the Unexpected, Cardiff’s landmark celebration of Wales’ foremost storyteller. Director, Nigel Jamieson, leads the search for a cast of 6,000 volunteers, including 2,000 choristers, 1,000 dancers, 50 Morris Minor drivers, 40 bald men, 13 magicians, four brass bands, three excavator drivers, a Spitfire pilot, firemen, circus artists, aerialists, rockclimbers, grandparents, children and a performing mouse. Anyone interested in taking part, whether as a performer, a maker or an organiser, is encouraged to get in touch.

Over the weekend of 17-18 September, Cardiff will celebrate the centenary of one of its most well-known sons, Roald Dahl, with an extraordinary weekend-long event, showcasing both his distinctive voice and the jewels of the city’s buildings, parks and its people. The city will be transformed into a place where the laws of physics and civic predictability will give way to the laws of magic, mischief and the unexpected.

The whole city will be humming with whispers of Roald Dahl; on street corners and from rooftops, in markets and cafés, on lampposts and even on your mobile phone. Some of his best-loved stories will be told in the unlikeliest of places by well-known fans.

Eye-popping visual spectacles will turn heads and madcap events will defy the laws of physics in some of the city’s most iconic locations, including Cardiff Castle and the National Museum. A cast of thousands, from parkour artists to farmers, from pigeon fanciers to puppeteers, will give heart-stopping performances both intimate and epic.

Nigel Jamieson, director, said: “Roald Dahl’s imagination has touched the most extraordinary number of people around the world. For generations, he has been part of our bed times, our childhoods, and the development of our imaginations. It is thus fitting that the weekend celebrating his birth in Cardiff will involve one of the most ambitious mobilisations of a city’s inhabitants ever attempted, together transforming it into a place that will unlock the child in everyone and create a city of wonder and surprise.”

Luke Kelly, Managing Director of the Roald Dahl Literary estate and Roald Dahl’s grandson, said: “Roald Dahl’s City of the Unexpected is undoubtedly going to be one of the highlights of the Roald Dahl 100 celebrations this year. We cannot think of a more fitting or creative way to honour Roald’s Welsh beginnings than by transforming his birth city into a place of magic, cooked up by such a dynamic team in Wales Millennium Centre, National Theatre Wales and Nigel Jamieson. To borrow a phrase from Roald, we will be watching with glittering eyes as the spectacle unfolds. We hope everyone who participates has a wonderful time.”

Phil George, Chair, Arts Council of Wales said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting this fantastic celebration of Roald Dahl’s life and stories in the city of his birth. And what an amazing opportunity for thousands to participate in a playful transformation of a much-loved city. A truly gloriumptious event.”

Anyone keen to take part is invited to register their interest at this website:http://www.cityoftheunexpected.wales/

Nigel Jamieson is one of the world’s leading theatre and large-scale event directors.
He began his career in London, where he worked at the National Theatre, directed Trickster Theatre Company and Odyssey Theatre, and was founding director of both the London International Workshop Festival and the London Festival of New Circus. He was awarded a Greater London Arts Award for his outstanding contribution to London Arts.
Subsequently moving to Sydney, he went on to direct Tin Symphony for the Sydney Olympic Opening Ceremony, the ABC Millennium Broadcast, the Closing Ceremony of the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, the Opening and Closing of the Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea, shows for the Hannover and Aichi World Expos, the Opening of European City of Culture celebrations in Liverpool, Jose Careras at Ankor Watt, a historic gathering of two thousand Aboriginal performers in the central desert of Australia, and most recently Clusters of Light, about the life of Mohammed.
His theatre work has toured the world extensively. It has included Minutes of Separation with Cate Blanchett and Joseph Fiennes, the multi-award-winning Theft of Sita, Honour Bound andAll of Me, and many other international collaborations including the ground-breaking arena show How To Train Your Dragon for Dreamworks and the epic aerial production As The World Tipped.

Follow City of the Unexpected on Twitter:
#UnexpectedCity
@thecentre
@ntwtweets