Rodney Ackland News

Revival of 1935 play could have much relevance to today, but cannot find a route out of slow and dated writing

The Finborough Theatre will present a new London production of THE OLD LADIES, the drama by Rodney Ackland based on the novel by Hugh Walpole. See rehearsal photos.

A hit in the West End and on Broadway when  it premiered in 1935, The Old Ladies, a classic drama from acclaimed playwright Rodney Ackland in its first London production for over 30 years opens at the multi-award-winning Finborough Theatre.

A hit in the West End and on Broadway when it premiered in 1935, The Old Ladies, a classic drama from acclaimed playwright Rodney Ackland in its first London production for over 30 years opens at the multi-award-winning Finborough Theatre.

Finborough Theatre has announced its March–July 2026 season in London. The programme includes THE OLD LADIES, the world premiere of FOAL, and the English premiere of SOLDIERS OF TOMORROW.

Troupe today announces the world première of a new adaptation of Christopher Isherwood's A Single Man by Simon Reade. Directed by Philip Wilson, the production opens in Park200 at Park Theatre on 21 October, with previews from 19 October, and runs until 26 November.

Read our critic's review - A post-modern tint cannot save this 1938 play from feeling stuck in the past.

Troupe today announces the transfer of the Off West End Award-nominated The Sweet Science of Bruising to Wilton's Music Hall, following its sold-out run at Southwark Playhouse last year. As a Victorian music hall, Wilton's offers a new authenticity to the play which follows four female boxers in 1869. The production opens on 7 June, with previews from 5 June, and runs until 29 June.

Troupe today announces the World Premiere of Joy Wilkinson's The Sweet Science of Bruising. Directed by Kirsty Patrick Ward, the production opens at Southwark Playhouse on 5 October, with previews from 3 October, and runs until 27 October.

Troupe today announces the full cast for the World Premiere of Joy Wilkinson's The Sweet Science of Bruising. Kirsty Patrick Ward directs Bruce Alexander (Professor Charlie Sharp), James Baxter (Paul Stokes), Sophie Bleasdale (Violet Hunter), Joe Coen (Gabriel Lamb), Ashley Cook (Doctor James Bell), Caroline Harker (Aunt George), Kemi-Bo Jacobs (Anna Lamb), Alice Kerrigan (Emily), Jessica Regan (Matilda 'Matty' Blackwell) and Fiona Skinner (Polly Stokes). The production opens at Southwark Playhouse on 5 October, with previews from 3 October, and runs until 27 October.

Troupe today announces the World Premiere of Joy Wilkinson's The Sweet Science of Bruising. Directed by Kirsty Patrick Ward, the production opens at Southwark Playhouse on 5 October, with previews from 3 October, and runs until 27 October.

LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) presents its 2018 Summer Season featuring a diverse range of nine productions, playing across its three stages from 30 May. The programme of work will include world premieres, modern musicals and classic plays all performed by the graduating class of 2018 and the next generation of acting talent.

In 1517, Islington landowner Richard Cloudesley bequeathed a plot of land known as "The Stony Fields" or "The Fourteen Acre" in perpetuity for a variety of social and religious purposes. Fields grazed by cattle in the 16th century today deliver an income which funds annual grants of £900,000 to local residents in need, local charities, community projects and Church of England churches. And this year, to mark the 500th anniversary of Richard Cloudesley's bequest, an additional £1.2million of grants are being made. These include health grants for Islington charities and schools, and an award-winning Sustainable Church Buildings Project to reduce the carbon footprint of local church buildings.

The original version of Rodney Ackland's provocative work, The Pink Room, had a bruising reception back in 1952, losing thousands for investor Terence Rattigan amidst furious reviews. Since salvaged by the Orange Tree in the Eighties, its rebirth was cemented by a Judi Dench-starring production at the National, where it now returns for an intriguing if not entirely convincing encore.

Bomb-blasted London. A Soho den in the hangover from World War II, where members drink into the darkness, night after night. Lying, fighting and seducing, these lost souls and bruised lovers struggle from the rubble of war towards an unknown future.

The National Theatre has announced its May-September 2018 season.

Two decades after it was previously performed at the National Theatre, Rodney Ackland's Absolute Hell returns to the very stage it played back then: the Lyttelton. With a career spanning over two decades too across stage and screen, Charles Edwards is no stranger to the National Theatre. Catching up during rehearsals, Charles spoke to us about his 'innate connection' to the play, and reveals the greatest challenge he's faced in his career (which came only last year).

Bomb-blasted London. A Soho den in the hangover from World War II, where members drink into the darkness, night after night. Lying, fighting and seducing, these lost souls and bruised lovers struggle from the rubble of war towards an unknown future.

London is never short of temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From a buzzy new musical to returning favourites, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld reviews, interviews and features!

Troupe today announces full casting for the UK premiere of Joel Drake Johnson's tense workplace drama Rasheeda Speaking. Sheila Reid (Rose Saunders) and Bo Poraj (Dr David Williams) complete the company with the previously announced Elizabeth Berrington (Ileen Van Meter) and Tanya Moodie (Jaclyn Spaulding). Directed by Jonathan O'Boyle the production opens at Trafalgar Studios 2 on 20 April, with previews from 18 April, and runs until 12 May.