Jermyn Street Theatre to Welcome THE RETURN OF THE SOLDIER, Sept 2-20

Coinciding with the centenary of the First World War, The Return of the Soldier is an intimate new chamber musical by Tim Sanders (book and lyrics) and Charles Miller (composer) based on Rebecca West's celebrated 1918 novel. This intensely bitter-sweet tale dissects the very different love of three women for Captain Christopher Baldry.

The Return of the Solider will play Jermyn Street Theatre, 16b Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6ST from Tuesday 2nd September to Saturday 20th September 2014. Press Night: Thursday 4th September, 7.30pm.

When Christopher returns from the war suffering from shell-shock, there are profound consequences for each of the women. As he tries to return to everyday life, he has to confront the traumas sustained through the stress of warfare. With a cast of five, this powerful new musical drama with its rich and arresting score, becomes an eloquent treatise on the nature of love, truth, memory and loss. In the end, only an extraordinary sacrifice will restore a fragile status quo.

This world premiere is directed by Charlotte Westenra (Venice Preserv'd, Sunset Baby, Celebrity 24 Hour Plays 2011 and 2010, Sixty-Six Books, and Lower Ninth). Writer Tim Sanders has enjoyed successes in television, radio and theatre and The Return of the Soldier represents his third collaboration with Charles Miller, described as one the most important modern day British composers. His musicals When Midnight Strikes and Brenda Bly: Teen Detective (both written with New York writer Kevin Hammonds) have become hits in Europe, America and Australia and his hugely popular songs have been recorded by several West End and Broadway singers.

The Return of the Soldier is produced by Katy Lipson of Aria Entertainment (recognised as one of the country's most promising young producers by the Stage One charity for new producers) and Guy James (head of creative development at Access Artiste Management Ltd as well as Executive Music Producer for MaKiNG Records and an Associate Film Producer focusing on British writing). It was first presented as a reading at the 'From Page to Stage' season of new musicals.

The Return of the Solider

Tuesday 2nd - Saturday 20th September 2014
Tuesday to Saturday, 7.30pm
Thursday and Saturday matinees, 3.30pm
Additional performances: Monday 8th September, 7.30pm, and Sunday 14th September, 3.30pm
2 hours 15 mins with interval
Jermyn Street Theatre, 16b Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6ST
www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk

Jermyn Street Theatre is located on Jermyn Street. The nearest underground stations are Charing Cross (on the Bakerloo and Northern lines), Piccadilly Circus (on the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines), and Green Park (on the Victoria, Jubilee and Piccadilly lines). The nearest rail station is Charing Cross.

Tickets are available priced £22/£18 (£16 Thurs matinees) from Jermyn Street Theatre Box Office and www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk, 020 7287 2875. All tickets booked by 1st August are priced £15. Ages 11+.