Paradise Lost
Tweet

Bristol Spring Loses Paradise Before Duffy Beauties

Bristol Old Vic launches its spring 2004 season tonight (30 January 2004) with its production of Paradise Lost - not to be confused with Theatre Royal Northampton’s own ‘first-ever’ stage productions of John Milton’s epic 17th-century poem, which coincidentally, also opens tonight (See News, 24 Dec 2003).

Bristol’s version of Paradise Lost uses music, film and aerial choreography to tell the story of the fall of man in 90 minutes. The cast includes Dave Fishley, Kananu Kirimi, Stephen Noonan and Christopher Staines. Directed by joint artistic director David Farr, who adapted the poem in association with the National Theatre, it continues to 21 February 2004.

That premiere production is followed by Farr’s revival of Joe Orton's irreverent 1966 black comedy about a coffin and a bank heist gone wrong, Loot, which runs from 5 to 27 March. It’s designed by Tom Piper, whose previous work for Bristol Old Vic includes Les Liaisons Dangereuses, with lighting by Hartley TA Kemp.

Loot is followed by Beasts and Beauties from 2 April to 1 May 2004. British poet and playwright Carol Anne Duffy was commissioned to write the piece, a retelling of eight classic fables and folk tales. It reunites the creative team responsible for Grimm Tales at the Young Vic and is a collaboration with National Theatre of Bergen, Norway.

Meanwhile, the Theatre Royal’s studio hosts a 'Best of Bristol' Programme, which includes the world premiere of Kangaroo Valley Toby Fallow's new Australian backpacker comedy, Instant Wit's comedy improvisation and Hoax productions'Raw Beef as well as a new production of Mamma Mia! book writer Catherine Johnson's 1998 play Shang-a-Lang.

The season also features a short visit from Eclipse Theatre and Josette Bushell-Mingo's Mother Courage and Her Children and a two-week festival of Youth Theatre.

- by Hannah Kennedy

Related Content