Theatre News

Dukes’ 25th Anni includes Miller and Little Voice

Summer 2011 will see The Dukes in Lancaster celebrate its 25th anniversary with a Promenade Season in Lancaster’s glorious Williamson Park. Since 1987, The Dukes has established a national reputation for producing outstanding outdoor theatre, leading the way in this particular field.

The Dukes will be creating magic once again with Merlin and The Legend of King Arthur which opens on July 8 and runs until August 13. The 2011 homegrown drama season begins on January 27 with the premiere of Quicksand, a new play by Ulverston playwright Zosia Wand, which runs until February 12. Telling an unconventional tale of love lost and found, Quicksand is set against the stunning backdrop of Morecambe Bay and is a moving look at relationships, family secrets and expectations. Quicksand, a co-production with Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake, is an example of  The Dukes long-term commitment to producing new plays rooted in the North.  

The Dukes has also chosen a Lancashire-based drama for its second homegrown show of the season – The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. Running from March 24-April 16, the play will have its first outing at The Dukes since its award winning run in the West End last year. This tale of a shy girl and her obessions with the great divas including Shirley Bassey and Judy Garland has been a winner on both stage and screen.  

In addition to its homegrown productions, The Dukes also welcomes a wide range of high quality touring drama throughout the season. And from May 3-7, the Lancaster theatre sees the return of one of its former directors, Olivier Award winning David Thacker, with Bolton Octagon’s production of The Price by Arthur Miller.

Among other touring drama highlights are Daniel Kitson’s theatre show, The Interminable Suicide of Gregory Church, (February 18); The Day the Waters Came (March 9-10) which centres on the aftermath of  Hurricane Katrina; and Boxed Romeo & Juliet, a bite-sized version of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy (April 7-8).

To book tickets for any of the new season events, ring The Dukes box office on 01524 598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org