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Bristol & Northampton Compete for Paradise Lost

You wait around more than 300 years for an adaptation and then two come along at once – on the very same day. On 30 January 2004, both Bristol Old Vic and Northampton’s Theatre Royal will premiere two separate, ‘first-ever’ stage productions of John Milton’s epic 17th-century poem, Paradise Lost.

First published in 1667, Paradise Lost recounts the biblical fortunes of Adam and Eve and how they came to be cast out of the Garden of Eden, as well as the story of how the angel Lucifer became Satan and sought revenge against God by causing man’s downfall.

Northampton’s Paradise Lost has been adapted by poet and translator Ben Power and will be directed by Royal artistic director Rupert Goold and designed by Linbury prize winner Ben Stones. It continues to 14 February 2004.

Meanwhile, in Bristol, joint artistic director David Farr directs their production, which he’s adapted in association with the National Theatre. Also on the creative team are designer Ti Green, composer Keith Clouston, lighting designer Hartley TA Kemp, movement director Isabel Rocamora and filmmaker Ben Hopkins.

At the Old Vic, Paradise Lost will continue to 21 February 2004, with a cast that includes Dave Fishley, Kananu Kirimi, Stephen Noonan and Christopher Staines.

- by Terri Paddock

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