Unwin Revives Joe Penhall’s Dumb Show at Rose

Stephen Unwin‘s production of Joe Penhall’s 2004 black comedy Dumb Show, marking the play’s first major revival since its 2004 premiere, will open the Spring 2010 season at the Rose Theatre, Kingston.

The venue, now celebrating its second birthday, will also host touring productions of the Young Vic’s Sweet Nothings (20-24 April), Peter Brook’s 11 & 12 (27 April – 1 May) and Northern Broadsides’ The Canterbury Tales (25-29 May).

Dumb Show, which runs from 7 to 17 April 2010 (previews from 1 April), is about a comedian’s obsession with stardom and his willingness to go to extreme lengths to satisfy his craving for the celebrity lifestyle. When he is propositioned by two bankers, his desperation overpowers sensible thinking and he finds himself in hot water.

Writer Joe Penhall‘s other plays include Some Voices and Blue/Orange, which won the Evening Standard, Olivier and Critics Circle awards. His screenwriting credits include the acclaimed adaptations of Enduring Love and recent release The Road.

Currently at the Rose, rehearsals are underway for Peter Hall’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream starring Judi Dench as Titania, which opens on 15 February 2010 (previews from 9 February).

– Theo Bosanquet & Kelly Ann Warden