Theatre News

Polly Findlay Directs Good at RET

The story of one man’s struggle against the Nazi propaganda machine is at the heart of a gripping drama which continues the Royal Exchange Theatre’s new Autumn – Winter Season, following the current success of their Edward II.

Good by C P Taylor tells the story of Professor Halder – a man struggling with an elderly mother, a needy wife and the increasing tendency to hear beautiful music in unexpected places. Set in 1930s Germany, the play is an exploration of how personal morality can be twisted and drawn to a diabolical cause.

Written in 1981 – and originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company – the play has since been acknowledged as a modern classic.

Guest director Polly Findlay (winner of the 2007 JMK Award for Young Directors) takes the helm for this production which opens next month. With recent credits that include Twisted Tales at the Lyric Hammersmith and productions for the Bristol Old Vic, the Bush and the Almeida, it marks her directorial debut at the Exchange.

The cast features Adrian Rawlins as Professor Halder. Big screen credits include playing Harry Potter’s father James Potter. Also appearing are Richard Goulding, Howard Hutt, Pieter Lawman, William Oxborrow, Beth Park, Kerry Shale, Tim Van Eyken, Janet Whiteside and Madeleine Worrall.

The creative team is completed by James Cotterill (design), Charles Balfour (lighting), Chris Shutt (sound) and Tim Van Eyken (musical director).

Good runs at the Royal Exchange in Manchester from 12 October – 5 November.