The Old Vic Announces New Season - Glenda Jackson Returns in KING LEAR, John Boyega in WOYZECK, ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN and More!

By: May. 04, 2016
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The Old Vic today announces Artistic Director Matthew Warchus' second season, continuing a wide-ranging programme that includes world premieres, new writing, musicals, classic revivals and The Old Vic Variety Nights. There will also be a new strand of children's programming to engage the next generation of theatregoers, demonstrating Matthew's 'something for everyone' approach.

Season 2 marks Glenda Jackson's return to the stage, to play the title role in King Lear, directed by Deborah Warner. The Season opens with the world premiere of Samuel Beckett's monologue No's Knife with Lisa Dwan. Matthew directs the 20th anniversary production of Yasmina Reza's Art and John Boyega stars in a new version of Woyzeck adapted by Jack Thorne. In 2017 and beyond, look out for the return of Season 1's dazzlingly funny, moving and inspiring show Dr. Seuss's The Lorax, a 50th anniversary celebratory production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard, a world premiere adaptation of Ingmar Bergman's classic film, Fanny and Alexander, adapted by Stephen Beresford, and a new version of Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore.

Artistic Director Matthew Warchus commented:

'Anyone who has visited The Old Vic in the last eight months will have felt the new wave of energy which has swept through the building. There's a completely fresh feel to the foyer, bars and café, and a completely fresh approach to how we programme our productions and events. There's much more happening, and for a much wider range of people. For a theatre without public funding this is no mean feat. It's an exciting shift, aimed at consolidating The Old Vic as a vibrant and indispensable part of London's artistic scene.

With my second season, we continue our mission to be a leading creative hub in the capital, and further afield, radiating an energising and unintimidating spirit, as we celebrate the best of what theatre can be.'

Productions include:

Some coming attractions for 2017 and our bicentenary season (2017-18):

  • A 50th anniversary celebratory production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard
  • Over the summer the return of the Olivier-nominated Dr. Seuss's The Lorax, written by David Greig and directed by the inaugural Baylis Director, and newly appointed Associate Director, Max Webster
  • A world premiere adaptation of Ingmar Bergman's classic film, Fanny and Alexander, adapted by Stephen Beresford and directed by Max Webster
  • A new version of Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore, directed by Christopher Luscombe with musical adaptation by Nigel Hess
  • Further programming announcements for the season still to come

The Old Vic continues to develop the following programmes and creative opportunities:

The Old Vic continues its top-tier corporate partnerships into a second year:

  • We are delighted to be continuing our three-year sponsorship with Royal Bank of Canada as The Old Vic's Principal Partner. Their transformational support directly enables The Old Vic to produce more productions on our stage than ever before, celebrating creativity and innovation in the arts
  • We have been thrilled with the success of the PwC £10 Previews ticketing initiative over the last season, which has enabled nearly 13,000 people to experience our work for just £10, 44% of whom were newcomers to The Old Vic. We look forward to continuing our partnership with PwC to inspire new audiences and existing theatre lovers

NO'S KNIFE

By Samuel Beckett

Performed by Lisa Dwan

World Premiere

Previews from Thursday 29 September, press night Monday 3 October 2016

'Where would I go, if I could go, who would I be, if I could be, what would I say, if I had a voice, who says this, saying it's me?'

The world premiere of No's Knife sees Samuel Beckett, a titan of theatrical writing, exploring the powerful resilience to stay alive. Hard on the heels of a sold-out international tour of the Beckett Trilogy, Lisa Dwan presents a fresh and penetrating interpretation of this monologue. Recognised as modern theatre's foremost adaptor of Beckett's work, Lisa brings her unexpected and compelling voice to these hitherto unperformed writings.

KING LEAR

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Deborah Warner

Starring Glenda Jackson and with Jane Horrocks, Rhys Ifans, Simon Manyonda and Harry Melling

Previews from Tuesday 25 October, press night Friday 4 November 2016

A quarter of a century after she gave up acting for politics, double Academy Award-winning legend Glenda Jackson returns to play King Lear in Shakespeare's greatest tragedy, alongside an outstanding company including Jane Horrocks, Rhys Ifans, Simon Manyonda and Harry Melling.

ART

By Yasmina Reza

Translated by Christopher Hampton

Directed by Matthew Warchus

Previews from Saturday 10 December 2016, press night Tuesday 3 January 2017

Three friends and a white painting.

One of the most acclaimed plays of recent times, Art premiered in London twenty years ago and went on to become a phenomenon, winning Moliere, Evening Standard, Olivier and Tony Awards. Director Matthew Warchus reunites the entire original team to revisit Yasmina Reza's dazzling study of friendship, prejudice and tolerance.

WOYZECK

By Georg Büchner

In a new version by Jack Thorne

Directed by Joe Murphy

Starring John Boyega

Previews from Saturday 25 February, press night Tuesday 7 March 2017

'People like us are unhappy in this world and in the next: if we made it to heaven, we'd have to help make it thunder.'

The multi-award winning Jack Thorne breathes new life into Woyzeck, one of the most influential plays ever written, creating for our time what Büchner intended for his: an unforgettable howl of rage.

ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD

By Tom Stoppard

Half a century after its premiere on The Old Vic stage, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, the hugely acclaimed play that made a young Tom Stoppard's name overnight, returns to The Old Vic in a 50th anniversary celebratory production.

Against the backdrop of Shakespeare's Hamlet, this mind-bending situation comedy sees two hapless minor characters, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, take centre stage. Increasingly out of their depth, the young double act stumble their way through as events unravel. Stoppard's brilliantly funny, existential labyrinth offers us as window into a world where life and art collide.

Dr. Seuss's

THE LORAX

Adapted by David Greig

Directed by Max Webster

'I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees!'

The irrepressible, big-hearted, moustachioed critter is back as Olivier-nominated Dr. Seuss's The Lorax returns to The Old Vic stage.

This dazzlingly funny, moving and inspiring show sees the go-getting Once-ler come face to face with the magical Lorax in a battle over the beloved truffula trees and the whole of Paradise Valley. Adapted for the stage by David Greig, Dr. Seuss's The Lorax is a brilliant riot of eye-popping colour, gorgeous puppetry and infectious music to enchant adults and children alike.

FANNY AND ALEXANDER

Adapted from the film by Ingmar Bergman by Stephen Beresford

Directed by Max Webster

'The world is a den of thieves and night is falling. So let us be kind and generous. There should be no shame in us taking pleasure in our little lives.'

Ingmar Bergman's magical study of childhood, family and love, Fanny and Alexander is often considered one of the greatest films ever made. Now, adapted by BAFTA-winning writer Stephen Beresford, it becomes an epic theatrical event.

GILBERT & SULLIVAN'S

HMS PINAFORE

In a new version by Nigel Hess and Christopher Luscombe

Directed by Christopher Luscombe

Musical adaptation by Nigel Hess

'We sail the ocean blue and the Pinafore's a beauty!'

Gilbert and Sullivan's classic HMS Pinafore has its decks scrubbed anew by Nigel Hess and Christopher Luscombe (composer and director of the recent West End hit Nell Gwynn) in a sparkling new adaptation which stays true to the much-loved original while borrowing from the rich Gilbert and Sullivan catalogue to create a show full of surprises.

THE OLD VIC

VARIETY NIGHTS

Music. Magic. Comedy.

Embracing The Old Vic's historic roots in the great theatrical traditions of vaudeville and music hall, The Old Vic Variety Nights feature established names and the very best of the next generation of performers in vibrant mixed bills, for one-off Sunday nights of really great entertainment.

OLD VIC VOICES OFF

Old Vic Voices Off explores the themes raised by the productions on our main stage in creative ways through a series of talks, conversations and debates given by leading voices in the arts, media, science and politics. Speakers in Season 1 included Shami Chakrabarti, Caroline Criado-Perez, Chris Riddell, Richard Dawkins, A. C. Grayling, Owen Jones and Rob Brydon.

CHILDREN'S THEATRE

AT THE OLD VIC

Theatre is a magical world of 3D stories and no child is too young to start experiencing the delight and wonder of live performance. This Season, in partnership with performers and organisations, The Old Vic brings storytelling for all ages to our theatre.

TALES FROM THE SHED

Each week during term time, North London-based inclusive theatre company Chickenshed will present their hugely popular Tales From The Shed. These vibrant and interactive shows for young children aged 0-5 include puppetry, sign language, song and dance and will play weekly in Mark's Bar at The Old Vic.

MISSING LIGHT

'You're never too old for hopes and dreams...there's always time for plans and schemes.'

When loneliness is replaced by a far off flickering light, two elderly friends break free on a journey to reconcile their pasts and find what remains of their futures. A newly commissioned puppetry show created by Mark Arends for Make Mend and Do Theatre, Missing Light, a daytime production for children aged 8+, will play on the main stage in 2017.

THE CHILDREN'S BOOKSHOW

The Old Vic is delighted to be hosting The Children's Bookshow on 18 November 2016. A literacy charity, The Children's Bookshow organises an annual autumn tour at theatres around the country where children are treated to performances from acclaimed authors, illustrators and poets. This event is suitable for children aged 7-11.

THE OLD VIC BOARD

The Old Vic is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Board members: Ian Powell (Chairman and Senior Partner, PwC - joining from September 2016) and Ann Pleshette Murphy (Author, Journalist and Parenting Counsellor) are the newest members to join The Old Vic Theatre Trust 2000 Board, which comprises Nick Clarry (Chairman), Alan Banes, Robert Bourne, Stephen Daldry CBE, Sally Greene OBE, Anthony Horowitz OBE, Joyce Hytner OBE, Kevin McGrath DL. Sir Elton John CBE is an Honorary Trustee.

TRANSFER PARTNER

A key strategic partnership for The Old Vic under Matthew Warchus' tenure is our Transfer Partnership, which supports our ambition to expand our reach and allow more people access to our work. Producers Scott Rudin and Sonia Friedman (acting together) will make this happen, through a partnership that enables them to transfer Old Vic shows to the West End, Broadway and elsewhere in the UK and North America.

This partnership enhances the work at The Old Vic and offers greater opportunity for an extended life for some of our shows after their initial run, helping us to achieve our next phase of growth and connect with new audiences.

ASSOCIATE ARTISTS

Simon Baker (sound design), Peter Darling (choreography), David Grindrod (casting), Manuel Harlan (photography), Rob Howell (design), Dennis Kelly (writer), Paul Kieve (magic), Drew McOnie (choreography), Tim Minchin (composer), Christopher Nightingale (composer), Kate Prince (choreography), Hugh Vanstone (lighting), and Gary Yershon (composer).

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS

Inaugural Baylis Director Max Webster has been appointed as an Associate Director by Matthew Warchus, joining current Associate Annabel Bolton who was appointed in Matthew's first season. Max's production of Dr. Seuss's The Lorax received an Olivier Award Nomination for Best Entertainment and Family.

THE BAYLIS DIRECTORSHIP & BAYLIS ASSISTANT DIRECTORSHIP

The Baylis Director is an annual post that provides a unique opportunity for one director each year. Joe Murphy is the second Baylis Director who has been selected for this twelve-month programme, during which time he will direct a full-scale production at The Old Vic, receive a fund with which to commission a new piece of work, and shadow the Artistic Director, together with using The Old Vic's space and resources to research and develop projects.

For 2016-2017 a post for a Baylis Assistant Director has also been created. The Baylis Assistant Director is a short-term residency at The Old Vic providing three unique opportunities each year for aspiring directors in the UK and one from Australia to work with and learn from seasoned professionals in the industry. This role is generously supported by Associate Artist Tim Minchin.

PARTNERSHIPS

The Old Vic is a registered charity and receives no regular subsidy. We are reliant on box office receipts, philanthropic donations and support from businesses to sustain our work both on and off the stage. The Old Vic is proud to be working in partnership with The Royal Bank of Canada and PwC.

PRINCIPAL PARTNER

THE ROYAL BANK OF CANADA

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), one of the largest banks in the world and Canada's largest bank by market capitalisation, is the theatre's Principal Partner. As part of this three-year sponsorship, RBC commits to sponsoring more than 15 productions, directly enabling more artistic output and varied programming than ever before. Since the launch of the partnership last September, more than 170,000 visitors have come through The Old Vic's doors, of whom 55% are newcomers to the theatre, to enjoy diverse, cutting-edge productions.

Dave Thomas, CEO, RBC Capital Markets, Europe said:

'We are proud to support The Old Vic at such a transformational time in its history. Our first season as Principal Partner has exceeded all expectations and we look forward to another exciting year ahead led by Matthew Warchus and his talented team. Our partnership with The Old Vic continues a longstanding tradition at RBC of supporting the arts and local communities.'

The Old Vic and RBC are natural partners, both committed to promoting world-class excellence in the arts and to strengthening the social fabric of communities. From visual arts and music, to performing arts, writing and filmmaking, investing in the arts is a longstanding priority of RBC as it recognises the important role they play in building vibrant communities and strong economies. Globally, RBC helps communities prosper, supporting a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments, sponsorship and employee volunteer activities. In 2015, it contributed more than C$121 million to causes around the world.

PWC £10 PREVIEWS

With PwC's generous support and innovative vision, The Old Vic has been thrilled to see the success of the PwC £10 Previews scheme over the last year. PwC £10 Previews makes half of all seats at the first five previews of each production available for just £10, helping to realise The Old Vic and PwC's joint ambition to inspire a new audience.

PwC, one of the world's largest professional services networks, has been in partnership with The Old Vic since 2012 when it came on board to support affordable tickets for under 25s. Since launching the new PwC £10 Previews ticket initiative in September 2015, nearly 13,000 people have enjoyed first-class theatre for just £10, 44% of whom were coming to The Old Vic for the very first time.

PwC's commitment to investing in communities is shared by The Old Vic, which has long possessed a social conscience. Matthew Warchus' philosophy is that there should be no barriers, financial or otherwise, for people who might find theatre engaging and exciting. The Old Vic should be a creative hub where there is something for everyone in our repertoire, and the £10 ticket prices allow anyone to join in and experience the invigorating and uplifting power of theatre.

Ian Powell, Chairman and Senior Partner, PwC said:

'We are delighted that our continued relationship with The Old Vic is making theatre more accessible. The introduction of the PwC £10 Previews has already attracted thousands of new theatre goers to The Old Vic and we look forward to working together in the future on this exciting initiative.'

For more information on PwC £10 Previews please visit The Old Vic website www.oldvictheatre.com/pwcpreviews

 



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