Interviews

Five Reasons To See … Saturn Returns

| Off-West End |

1 November 2010

The European debut of American playwright Noah Haidle, Saturn Returns opens at the Finborough Theatre this Thursday, 4 November (previews from 2 November 2010) where it continues until 27 November.

Based on the astrological concept that every 30 years the planet Saturn returns to the same position it occupied on the day of your birth, heralding pivotal life events. Producer Joshua Black gives us his five reasons to see the play.

1. The time-bending structure

We see the central character of Gustin Novak looking back on his life at ages 28, 58 and 88. He is played by three actors: Christopher Harper, Nicholas Gecks and Richard Evans respectively. Lisa Caruccio Came plays his wife when he is 28, his daughter when he is 58 and his carer when he is 88. Watch out for some rapid costume changes!

2. See a play written by Noah Haidle

Noah Haidle is one of America’s hottest young playwrights. The Los Angeles Times have called him “a name to watch”, and his plays have been produced all over America, including a Roundabout production of Mr Marmalade and the premiere of Saturn Returns at Lincoln Center.

3. Haidle is making his European premiere, having revised the piece for this production

Haidle has been in the UK working directly with director Adam Lenson in the rehearsal room to revise the play from its original New York incarnation. It’s being republished by Methuen in the UK, and will be available at the theatre throughout the run. You may even be able to get a signed copy…

4. The show marks Adam Lenson’s return to the Finborough

Director Adam Lenson has previously directed two hit musicals at the Finborough. His production of Little Fish was described as a “quirky little show (that) manages to make a surprisingly big splash” by The Times, whilst Mark Shenton wrote that “Lenson does a smart job of revealing the patterns and connections that are being sketched” in the Stage about his production of Ordinary Days. This is Adam’s first play at the Finborough, and continues his collaboration with up-and-coming designer Bec Chippendale.

5. Come and see the Finborough itself

A Vogue journalist described the Finborough this summer as a venue that is “on the must-visit list with its eclectic, smartly curated slate of new works and neglected masterpieces”. It’s just a five minute walk from Earl’s Court tube station and is a hotbed of new emerging talent.

Saturn Returns opens at the Finborough Theatre on 4 November (previews from 2 November) where it continues until 27 November 2010.