Theatre News

Royal Court announces new productions for 60th anniversary season

A new play by Lucy Kirkwood is among the highlights

The Royal Court
The Royal Court

The Royal Court has announced two productions that will complete their 60th anniversary celebrations.

In November, Stewart Laing will direct The Sewing Group by E V Crowe in the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs. The play tells the story of a woman who arrives in a rural village in pre-industrial England with a desire to learn from the villagers' simple way of life. Crowe's previous credits at the Court include Hero, Kin and One Runs the Other Doesn’t.

Also in November, two retired nuclear scientists in an isolated cottage by the sea are the focus of Lucy Kirkwood's (Chimerica) return to the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs. The Children will be directed by James Macdonald (The Father) and runs from 17 November – 14 January.

Further additions to the 2016 programme include a new ten minute long play by Caryl Churchill called Pigs and Dogs directed by Dominic Cooke (20 – 30 July); the return of Open Court which will see a host of work curated around the building by the venue's Youth Board and Young Writers; a summer festival in Tottenham (1 – 17 July); and a revival of Al Smith's Harrogate from 20 – 29 October prior to a UK tour.

Tim Crouch's production of Adler & Gibb, which received its premiere at the Royal Court in 2014 will tour later this year with performances at Summerhall, Edinburgh (3-27 August), Unicorn Theatre, London (30 August – 3 September) and further dates to be announced.

Details have also been announced for the Royal Court's 60 anniversary gala – The Bash. Tickets for the event, which takes place on 2 November and is aimed at raising money to support future new writing, are available to the public through a donation of £250 – £2000. The evening will feature Royal Court playwriting and acting alumni, as well as a 'gourmet gastronomic feast', DJs and live music.

Highlights for the beginning of 2017 include Katherine Soper‘s Bruntwood award-winning play Wish List directed by Matthew Xia (10 Jan – 11 Feb 2017), and a revival of Caryl Churchill's Escaped Alone (25 Jan – 11 Feb 2017).

Tickets for the new season go on general sale on Friday 10 June at 10am.