Hansard, a new play by Simon Woods, directed by Simon Godwin, to premiere in the Lyttelton Theatre with Lindsay Duncan and Alex Jennings.
Roy Alexander Weise returns to the National Theatre to direct ‘Master Harold’…and the boys by Athol Fugard with Lucian Msamati and Hammed Animashaun in the cast.
The Sydney Theatre Company Production of The Secret River by Kate Grenville adapted for the stage by Andrew Bovell, and directed by Neil Armfield to open in the Olivier Theatre following performances at Edinburgh International Festival.
Following a sell-out run last year Brian Friel’s Translations, directed by Ian Rickson returns to the Olivier stage with Ciarán Hinds reprising the role of Hugh.
Andy Stanton adapts his award-winning children’s book into a musical, Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear – the Musical! with music by Jim Fortune directed by Amy Hodge, premiering in the Dorfman Theatre in July.
Following its sold-out run at the Bush Theatre, Ben Weatherill’s Jellyfish plays in the Dorfman Theatre with Sarah Gordy returning to play Kelly.
Full casting announced for Peter Gynt by David Hare, after Henrik Ibsen, joining James McArdle who takes on the title role.
New broadcasts and outdoor activity announced to celebrate NT Live’s 10th birthday.
Alongside the previously announced:
Top Girls in the Lyttelton Theatre by Caryl Churchill, directed by Lyndsey Turner with an all-female cast
Small Island, adapted by Helen Edmundson from Andrea Levy’s prize-winning novel to premiere in the Olivier Theatre, directed by Rufus Norris
ANNA conceived by Ella Hickson, Ben and Max Ringham directed by Natalie Abrahami to premiere in the Dorfman Theatre
Rutherford and Son by Githa Sowerby, directed by Polly Findlay opens in the Lyttelton Theatre in May
Home, I’m Darling by Laura Wade directed by Tamara Harvey to tour to Bath, Salford before returning to Theatr Clwyd in Mold
Olivier Theatre
THE SECRET RIVER
A Sydney Theatre Company Production
by Kate Grenville
adapted for the stage by Andrew Bovell
previews from 22 August, opening night on 27 August, in repertoire until 7 September
A moving and unflinching journey into Australia’s dark history. Adapted from Kate Grenville’s acclaimed novel, this multi-award-winning production from Sydney Theatre Company tells the story of two families divided by culture and land.
William Thornhill arrives in New South Wales a convict from the slums of London. Upon earning his pardon he discovers that this new world offers something he didn’t dare to dream of: a place to call his own. But as he plants a crop and lays claim to the soil on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, he finds that this land is not his to take. Its ancient custodians are the Dharug people.
Neil Armfield directs an ensemble cast of 22. Live music composed by Iain Grandage will play a central role in the play, which was conceived in collaboration with indigenous artists and is performed in Dharug language as well as English.
Set design is by Stephen Curtis, costume designer is Tess Schofield, lighting designer is Mark Howett and sound designer is Steve Francis.
The Secret River 2019 tour is supported by Ian Narev & Frances Allan, Gretel Packer and commissioning patrons Catriona Mordant AM & Simon Mordant AM and David Gonski AC & Orli Wargon OAM.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, managed by the Australia Council its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., Sydney Festival, Perth International Arts Festival and The Centenary of Canberra.
TRANSLATIONS
by Brian Friel
previews from 15 October, press night 21 October, in repertoire until 26 October with additional performances to be announced
Following a sold-out run in 2018, Ian Rickson’s exquisite production returns. Ciarán Hinds reprises his critically acclaimed role of patriarch and school master, Hugh, whose livelihood and culture are at risk. He will be re-joined by Seamus O’Hara and Judith Roddy, with further cast to be announced.
Brian Friel’s modern classic sees the turbulent relationship between England and Ireland play out in one quiet community.
Set and costume designer is Rae Smith, lighting designer is Neil Austin, music by Stephen Warbeck, sound designer is Ian Dickinson and movement is by Anna Morrissey.
Lyttelton Theatre
HANSARD
a new play by Simon Woods
previews from 22 August, press night on 3 September, in repertoire until 24 October with additional performances to be announced
It’s a summer’s morning in 1988 and Tory politician Robin Hesketh has returned home to the idyllic Cotswold house he shares with his wife of 30 years, Diana. But all is not as blissful as it seems. Diana has a stinking hangover, a fox is destroying the garden, and secrets are being dug up all over the place. As the day draws on, what starts as gentle ribbing and the familiar rhythms of marital scrapping quickly turns to blood-sport.
With Alex Jennings as Robin and Lindsay Duncan as his wife, Diana.
Simon Godwin (Antony & Cleopatra) directs Simon Wood’s witty and devastating portrait of the governing class. Set and costume design by Hildegard Bechtler, lighting by Jackie Shemesh, movement direction by Shelley Maxwell, music by Michael Bruce and sound design by Christopher Shutt.
Production supported by Marcia Grand in loving memory of Richard Grand, Leila Maw Straus and Shawn M. Donnelley & Christopher M. Kelly.
‘MASTER HAROLD’…AND THE BOYS
by Athol Fugard
previews from 21 September, press night on 1 October, in repertoire until 26 October with further performances to be announced
St George’s Park Tea Room, Port Elizabeth, 1950. On a long rainy afternoon, employees Sam and Willie practise their steps for the finals of the ballroom dancing championship. Hally arrives from school to hide out in his parents’ tea room. These two men have been unlikely best friends to Hally his whole life. But it is apartheid era South Africa: he’s Master Harold, and they are the boys.
Tony Award-winning playwright Athol Fugard’s semi-autobiographical and blistering masterwork explores the nature of friendship, and the ways people are capable of hurting even those they love.
Roy Alexander Weise (Nine Night) directs Lucian Msamati (Amadeus) and Hammed Animashaun (Barber Shop Chronicles) as Sam and Willie with additional casting to be announced.
Set and costume designer is Rajha Shakiry, lighting designer is Paule Constable and movement director is Shelley Maxwell.
Dorfman Theatre
JELLYFISH
by Ben Weatherill
A Cartwright Productions Ltd. Production
In association with the Bush Theatre
From 5 – 16 July
Following a sold-out run at the Bush Theatre last year, Sarah Gordy returns to play Kelly for a limited run of this funny and tender new play. She performs alongsidePenny Layden and Nicky Priest who also reprise their roles.
Jellyfish is the story of a first kiss, chips by the beach and coming of age with Down’s Syndrome in a seaside town. It’s a unique romance across uncharted waters which asks: does everyone really have the right to love as they choose?
Directed by Tim Hoare with design by Amy Jane Cook, lighting design by Jamie Platt and sound design by Ella Wahlstrom.
All performances will play in a more relaxed performance environment.
MR GUM AND THE DANCING BEAR – THE MUSICAL!
book and lyrics by Andy Stanton
music by Jim Fortune
previews from 25 July, press night 31 July, playing until 31 August
Who likes bears? Everyone likes bears! Well, not quite everyone…Mr Gum is a complete horror who hates children, animals and fun of any kind – so when a big bear called Padlock strolls into town, trouble can’t be far off. Can nine-year-old Polly and her band of misfit friends help Padlock escape the villain’s evil clutches, or will Mr Gum and his gruesome butcher sidekick prevail?
Based on the hilariously anarchic, award-winning children’s books, Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear – the Musical! promises to be an all-singing, all-dancing, occasionally-burping extravaganza for children and adults alike. Author Andy Stanton creates the book and lyrics, with music by Jim Fortune. Directed by Amy Hodge with set and costume designs by Georgia Lowe, music director is Tarek Merchant, lighting design is by Lee Curran, choreography by Fleur Darkin, sound design by Carolyn Downing and puppetry by Jimmy Grimes.
RIVER STAGE
River Stage is the National Theatre’s annual free outdoor festival of arts and entertainment. Each weekend, River Stage partners’ take-over the stage and offer a full line-up of events for all ages, from family workshops and theatre, to club nights and DJs. The line-up is as follows:
The Glory (5-7 July)
East London's cabaret mecca and drag pub The Glory celebrate Pride at the NT with a tour-de-force weekend of back-to-back shows and parties, including the best of their sensational drag queen contest LIPSYNC1000, plus their drag king battle Man Up.
Shubbak Festival (12-14 July)
Mixing family activities with bands, spoken word and DJ sets, Shubbak brings the best of the Arab cultural scene to the River Stage.
National Park City Festival (19-21 July)
A line-up dedicated to all things green and wild in celebration of London becoming the world’s first National Park City.
Frantic Assembly (26-28 July)
Celebrating their 25th Birthday Frantic Assembly kick off celebrations at the River Stage with DJ’s, live music, movement workshops, performances and much more.
National Theatre takeover (2-4 August).
A joyful party weekend to close the River Stage festival 2019. The National Theatre will throw open its doors and let the creativity spill out bringing you the very best in family theatre, dance, music and more.
