The inaugural production in the refurbished Bush Theatre's new studio space is the latest play from Barney Norris. Directed by Alice Hamilton, it's a searching exploration of loneliness and reunion set against a sympathetically drawn south-of-England backdrop.
'I remember the crunch of the gravel under my feet, and thinking my life might be over. I might have had all of my fun. And then him. And we don't get to choose who we fall for.'
???????The Bush Theatre reopens this week following the biggest capital project in the theatre's history. The £4.3million, year-long revitalisation of the venue by award-winning architects Haworth Tompkins has turned an old library built at the turn of the 20th Century into a fully accessible, modernised cultural building.
Bush Theatre has announced today for While We're Here, a new play by acclaimed writer Barney Norris (Visitors, Bush Theatre; Eventide, Arcola Theatre). Alice Hamilton will direct Tessa Peake-Jones (Only Fools and Horses, BBC; Beacons, Park Theatre) and Andrew French (The Iphigenia Quartet, Gate Theatre; Boi, Boi is Dead, West Yorkshire Playhouse) in this world premiere which opens the Bush Theatre's brand new 60 seat Studio.
The Bush Theatre will reopen after a year-long £4.3m redevelopment, the largest capital project in the theatre's history, with a bold new season kicked off by the European Premiere of Guards at the Taj by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph, directed by Jamie Lloyd (from 7 April). A brand new Studio space opens with the premiere of Barney Norris play While We're Here directed by Alice Hamilton (from 26 April).
In March 2017, following a landmark year taking plays into the communities of West London, the Bush Theatre will return home following a £4.3m revitalisation of the venue.
Papatango has just released rehearsal photos of Orca - Matt Grinter's winning entry from a record 1053 submissions to the 8th annual Papatango New Writing Prize. Alice Hamilton directs Aden Gillett, Simon Gregor, Carla Langley, Rona Morison and Ellie Turner in the production opening at Southwark Playhouse on 4 November, with previews from 2 November, running until 26 November. Design is by Frankie Bradshaw, with lighting by Johanna Town and sound by Richard Hammarton.
Papatango today announces the cast of Orca - Matt Grinter's winning entry from a record 1053 submissions to the 8thannual Papatango New Writing Prize. Alice Hamilton directs Aden Gillett, Simon Gregor, Carla Langley, Rona Morisonand Ellie Turner in the production opening at Southwark Playhouse on 4 November, with previews from 2 November, running until 26 November. Design is by Frankie Bradshaw, with lighting by Johanna Town and sound by Richard Hammarton.
Papatango today announced the creative team for Orca, Matt Grinter's winning submission from a record-breaking 1053 entries to the 8th annual Papatango New Writing Prize. Alice Hamilton will direct, with set and costumes designed by Frankie Bradshaw, lighting design by Johanna Town and sound design by Richard Hammarton. The production opens at Southwark Playhouse on 4 November, with previews from 2 November, and runs until 26 November.
London is never short of theatre temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From Florian Zeller's latest to Branagh farce and a new atomic musical, here are some of this week's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews, and if you need more ticket-booking inspiration, here is last week's round-up.
Up in Arms and Arcola Theatre today announce the full cast for the world premiere of Barney Norris's new play, Eventide. Alice Hamilton directsHasan Dixon (Mark), James Doherty (John) and Ellie Piercy (Liz). The production opens on 25 September at Arcola Theatre, with previews from 23 September, and runs until 17 October, ahead of a national tour to Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, The North Wall, Salisbury Playhouse and The Brewery, Bristol Tobacco Factory.
Old Vic New Voices announces a brand new festival, celebrating the work of exceptional and emerging playwrights. The event, which is generously supported by The TS Eliot Estate and Arts Council England, will see OVNV alumni join new talent in this five week long theatrical extravaganza.
Final casting is announced today for the European premiere of Orson's Shadow, a critically acclaimed comedy by Austin Pendleton, about the time when Hollywood giants Orson Welles and Laurence Olivier worked together for the first time - the inspired idea of legendary theatre critic, Kenneth Tynan.
Up in Arms and the Arcola Theatre today announce the world premiere of Barney Norris's new play Eventide, directed by Alice Hamilton. The production opens on 25 September, with previews from 23 September, and runs until 17 October, ahead of a national tour to venues includingTheatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, The North Wall and Salisbury Playhouse. Further tour dates will be announced shortly.
1960. Backstage at London's Royal Court Theatre. Hollywood giants Orson Welles and Laurence Olivier have been persuaded to work together for the first time - the inspired idea of legendary theatre critic, Kenneth Tynan. Welles has agreed to direct Olivier and Joan Plowright in a production of Eugene Ionesco's masterpiece Rhinoceros. But with Olivier's eccentric wife Vivien Leigh added to the volatile mix, legendary egos collide both on stage and off.
Barney Norris' debut full-length play Visitors has transferred from the Everyman Theatre in Chichester to the Arcola earlier this year and is now starting its run at Bush Theatre, where all of the original cast members have reprised their roles. Set in a remote farm in north Wiltshire, Edie (Linda Bassett) and Arthur (Robin Soans) a married couple in their seventies are living happily alone with Arthur working out on the farm and Edie keeping things running in the home. Having lived there their whole married lives, the play opens with them worrying over the arrival of a visitor - one who they're concerned will change their daily lives.