Theatre News

Off-Broadway comedy The Lyons comes to Menier in September

The Menier Chocolate Factory will stage the European premiere of Nicky Silver’s comedy The Lyons, from 19 September to 16 November 2013.

The play first ran off-Broadway in 2011 and then transferred to Broadway in 2012.

The original New York production
The original New York production
© Carol Rosegg

It was nominated for the Drama League Award for Distinguished Production of a Play and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Broadway Play.

Reviewing the original production, Theatermania.com‘s Andy Propst said: “The play has audiences howling during its first act and… may even provoke a tear or two from theatergoers before the curtain falls.”

The action centres on the Lyons family, who have gathered around the hospital bed of their dying father Ben. But surface compassion soon gives way to bickering, sniping and betraying each other’s secrets.

Billed as “savagely funny and heart-breaking”, it will be directed at the Menier by Mark Brokaw, who directed the original New York production.

The Lyons will be designed by Jonathan Fensom, with lighting design by Jason Taylor and sound design by Gregory Clarke.

Casting will be announced when tickets go on sale to the general public next week (31 July 2013).

Currently at the Chocolate Factory, The Color Purple continues until 14 September.