Theatre News

Old Vic stages Daniel Kitson's Tree and High Society directed by Maria Friedman

Tim Key will join cult comedian Kitson, and the West End star will helm Cole Porter’s classic as part of Kevin Spacey’s final season as artistic director

Maria Friedman will direct High Society
Maria Friedman will direct High Society
© BBC

Kevin Spacey has announced two shows in his final season as artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre; a revival of cult comedian Daniel Kitson's 'play for two people', Tree, and a production of Cole Porter's High Society directed by Maria Friedman.

First performed at Manchester's Royal Exchange, Tree will star Kitson alongside comedian Tim Key and runs from 5 to 31 January 2015.

A play about "dissent, commitment, two people and a tree", it will be staged in the round, and feature illustrations from Lizzy Stewart.

West End star Maria Friedman, who is currently appearing in Eastenders as Elaine Peacock, will then direct a revival of Cole Porter's High Society, also to be staged in the round.

Based on The Philadelphia Story, it tells the story of Long Island socialite Tracy Lord and her three suitors and features songs including "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?", "True Love" and "Well, Did You Evah!". It will run from 30 April to 22 August 2015.

Maria Friedman has previously directed the award-winning Menier Chocolate Factory production of Merrily We Roll Along. Her acting credits include Sweeney Todd, The Woman in White and Ragtime.

Tickets for both productions go on general public sale at 12 noon on 4 December.