Theatre News

A Distant Country Called Youth For Everyman Studio

Following a successful UK premiere at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Through the Looking Glass Productions in association with Yvonne Arnaud Theatre will present A Distant Country Called Youth at Cheltenham Everyman Studio Theatre. An intimate look at Tennessee Williams in his own words, the play is adapted by Steve Lawson from the selected letters of the US playwright, renowned writer of The Glass Menagerie and A Streetcar Named Desire.

A Distant Country Called Youth is a one man show that weaves together elements from the young Thomas Lanier’s own tormented family life – before he would be known as the celebrated playwright Tennessee Williams. The letters include personal correspondence with his family and mentally ill sister as well as accounts of his distant travels, casual lovers and struggling early career before the successful Broadway opening of The Glass Menagerie.

Actor Oliver Andrews brings to life these humorous, vulnerable and highly personal letters and the production is directed by David Wike who is Artistic Director and co-founder of Through the Looking Glass Productions. David trained as a scriptwriter at Bournemouth University and as a Director at the Bristol Old Vic.

Cheltenham Everyman Studio Theatre Thurs 17 – 19 February 2011