From stars of Doctor Who and EastEnders to local talent and global themes. An exciting year ahead was announced tonight at Nottingham Playhouse.
Steph Sirr, Chief Executive of the Playhouse, took to the stage to remind us that 2018 is a very special year for the Playhouse as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary, which ties in beautifully with Nottingham’s bid to be the European Capital of Culture.
2018 also marks the first season for Artistic Director Adam Penford, a local lad, bought up in Mapperley, Nottingham, who regularly visited the theatre as a child and teenager. He promises an eclectic mix with something for everybody, and to reflect the community.
Announced first is Wonderland by Beth Steel, who joins Mark and Adam for a chat about the show. Set in Nottingham in 1983, it is a story which changed our city – who we were and who we are now. Both political and funny, it is a local story by a local female writer which gets its regional premier in the city.
9-24 February 2018
Local writer, David Belbin joins Mark and Adam to discuss the third announcement, Holes. Based on the multi-award winning novel by Louis Sachar, it is a story of friendship and redemption, a family show, of which Adam tells us he wants to see more of so youngsters have the same experience of the theatre he did as a child. It is announced that ex-EastEnders actress Kacey Ainsworth will be starring.
The fourth production announced is Shebeen by Nottingham writer Mufaro Makubika. Mufaro joins Mark on stage, along with local actor Karl Collins (The Bill) Set in 1958 in St Ann’s, Nottingham, the story follows the fortunes of an immigrant couple when an act of violence changes their lives.
Classic drama, Kindertransport by Diane Samuals is the next production announced. The story of a refugee who flees Nazi persecution.
Co-Produced by Fifth World, Lava by James Frets is announced. A story which explores survival, grief and relationships.
August/September sees the Playhouse producing their own musical in the form of Sweet Charity. Featuring numbers, Big Spender and The Rhythm of Life, the production will star another EastEnders actor, Mark Elliott. More recently seen on our screens as Holby City baddie, Issac. The female lead is yet to be announced. For now, they want to keep us guessing.
We are treated to a musical interlude before the final announcement of the evening which sees a surprise appearance from star of Doctor Who, Game of Thrones and League of Gentlemen, Mark Gatis. He is set to appear in The Madness of George III by Alan Bennett.
The evening of announcements ends as it began, with a speech by Chef Executive Steph Sirr, who thanks the theatres sponsors and tells us we can look forward more announcements, as well as appearances next year from dance companies and comedians.
