Off-West End Announcements – 3 July 2009
Youth theatre
blooms at the Rose
Arthurian drama Pendragon
promises to be the highlight of London’s first International Youth Arts
Festival, which kicks off today at Kingston’s Rose Theatre. One of 60 events
taking place over the next nine days, the
production will feature giant puppets, masks, live music, magic swords and a
40-strong cast of local youth actors. Other must-sees include Tucked In’s
post-apocalyptic fairy tale, Jackajack (5 July), and Zulu
dance spectacle, Thule Siswe (9 July). www.iyafestival.org
The latest play from award-winning Irish writer Joseph
Crilly is to premiere at the Lion and Unicorn Theatre next month (11 August –
12 September). Set in 1829 Ireland, Kitty & Damnation follows
the fortunes of a spirited country girl who meets actor Edmund Kean and follows
him (and her dreams of fame) to London. Directed by Rafe Beckley, Giant Olive Theatre Company’s show also features period drama stalwart Hugh
Bonneville – if only in voice.
Pulling on your eyestrings
Exciting young
theatre company Eyestrings showcase their talents at Hoxton’s Courtyard Theatre this month with the premiere of Benjamin Askew’s new
play In Bed With Messalina. The show, which runs from 14 July
– 2 August, comes with strong credentials. Askew’s first play, The
House of Gingerbread was a Fringe Pick last summer in Edinburgh and
is currently being developed by BBC Radio Drama. Meanwhile, Eyestrings director Owen
Horsley cut his teeth assisting Cheek by Jowl’s Declan Donnellan.
Mais, c’est pas vrai
Et finalement, just in time for Bastille week, trousers will be dropping and doors will be slamming all over the shop as Echange Theatre presents a sparkling pair of farces by that master of the genre, Georges Feydeau. Playing
at Chiswick’s Tabard Theatre from 12-19 July, Madame’s Late Mother
and A House Bath make up the first re-translated Feydeau
double-bill seen on a British stage in 30 years. Samuel Miller, recent winner of The Sitcom Trials, and Gael
Colin, currently at Greenwich Playhouse with The Maids, share directorial duties.
