Wilton's Music Hall reopens with Sting adaptation
Wilton's Music Hall has announced its first season after reopening following major building works.
The historic London venue will fully reopen to the public in September with an adaptation of 1973 film The Sting, running from 9 September to 17 October 2015.
According to press material the production will "transport Wilton's back to the 1930s depression era and the audience will have the chance to explore the newly repaired building."
The Sting is a crime caper that sees two small-time con men set out to outwit a powerful mob leader, and famously features a Scott Joplin-infused score.
It's followed, on 24 and 25 October, by The Magic of the Music Hall Family Weekender, a free weekend for people of all ages to learn about the history of music hall and the heritage of Wilton's.
Next up, Box Tale Soup's Casting The Runes will play over half-term from 27 to 31 October. An adaptation of MR James' classic thriller the hour-long production will feature "two performers, one hand-made puppet and a haunting soundtrack of original music".
The opera of the season will be l'Ospedale, running from 10 to 21 November. Directed by James Hurley, conducted by James Halliday and designed by Rachel Szmukler, it will be the first fully staged production by Solomon's Knot baroque collective.
And Wilton's will present its first ever panto with Dick Whittington, directed by Debbie Filtcroft and written by and starring Roy Hudd. Running from 1 to 31 December, Hudd's "rip-roaring script" promises to "combine London and international travel themes that chime with Wilton's own heritage".
Looking further ahead, 2016 will see the return of Wilton's Strike! dance festivan from 8 to 14 February, and the return of the award-winning Mark Bruce Company.
Artistic director Frances Mayhew said: "Now that we need no longer fear for the very fabric of our building, we can finally turn our attention to presenting a long term artistic programme that befits Wilton's future. Our aim is to be a Music Hall for today's audience."
