A local play for local people, that sums up Deborah McAndrew’s new production in 6 words. Set in an old Potteries in Burslem, Stoke on Trent. Ugly Duck invites the audience to look into the life of Kat – a young amateur artist, who decides she wants to paint a new canvas portrait of a nude working man – however, she actually decides to paint unemployed middle-aged Dennis.
Arguably the National Theatre’s most successful production, One Man Two Guvnors is now on its 3rd tour around the UK. Based on The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni, this production takes the audience on a whirlwind few days through the life of Francis Henshall as he takes on two jobs to feed himself after he was sacked from hisskiffle band.
A History of Falling Things centres on two lovers that are both brought together, and also separated by Keraunothnetophobia – the fear of falling satellites (This is not Romeo and Juliet). But James Graham uses fear to show more than just that.
“Keep Calm and Carry On” was the title of an unused poster in World War Two and what a play that recognises that idea. An August Bank Holiday Lark set before and during World War One shows how a rural community in Lancashire is affected by the war. As Director Barrie Rutter writes in the programme “we wanted to stay at home and absorb the impact of the world events”. And this production does just that, showing a local rural community and how the decisions made by those in power can affect them.
The New Vic are seeing spots this year with their production of TheHundred and One Dalmatians, renowned for their Christmas productions they certainly haven’t missed a trick this year with this rare staging of Dodie Smith’s classic. The Hundred and One Dalmatian shares many elements to shake your tail with excitement at and that’s only after the opening number.
The autumn nights are drawing in and this is certainly reflected in the New Vic’s production of Gaslight. Set in Victorian London this play is full of mystery and tension that will leave you on the edge of your seats in suspense and all that’s before the interval.
The Theatre Twittic 