Carol Ann Duffy’s Grimm Tales ready for Library

Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy’s acclaimed adaptation of Grimm Tales by the Brothers Grimm, directed by Rachel O’Riordan, is this year’s Christmas show at Manchester’s Library Theatre.

This selection of dark and spooky stories will make for ideal seasonal entertainment for young people aged six upwards, their teachers, friends and families, cementing the Library Theatre’s reputation as the venue in the north-west which offers something that little bit different at Christmas. Grimm Tales runs between Saturday 5 December 2009 – Saturday 23 January 2010.

O’Riordan has selected seven stories – Hansel and Gretel, The Golden Goose, Ashputtel, A Riddling Tale, The Mouse, The Bird, and the Sausage, Iron Hans, and The Lady and the Lion – for her second directorial appearance at the Library Theatre, following her debut in March 2009 directing Gates of Gold.

“Grimm Tales might sound dark for Christmas,” Rachel explains, “but exploring the darkness of the stories enables you to understand them and realise the goodness in the stories. It will still be edgy, but with tons of music in the show as well, I’m determined that Grimm Tales will be great fun!”

The cast is headed by Manchester actor Jack Lord, who last appeared at the Library Theatre in Roger Haines’ Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards-nominated adaptation of The Glee Club in September 2008, and Joanna Hickman, who starred as Johanna in director John Doyle’s much-admired West End and touring productions of Sweeney Todd.

Manchester-born David Ononokpono, Sophia Nomvete, Jack Beale, and Bolton Octagon regular, Sarah Groarke also star.

For further information, please visit the Library Theatre website.