THE THEATRE ROYAL WELCOMES
THE THREE
KINGS
The
James Plays
Newcastle Theatre
Royal
Saturday 30th
April to Sunday 1st
May 2016
 |
|
Photo: Manuel Harlan
|
Shoppers and commuters were stopped
in their tracks on Friday as the three kings, James I, James II and James III graced the steps of the Theatre Royal before hitting the stage
on Saturday and Sunday in the epic trilogy of plays. The three kings
brought a touch of regal to the theatre to give passers-by a sneak peek of what
to expect from their epic performance in The James Plays is at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Saturday 30th
April to Sunday 1st
May 2016.
A trilogy of plays described as
“better than Shakespeare” by The Telegraph and as “Scotland’s answer to Game
of Thrones” by the Daily Record is coming to Newcastle Theatre Royal.
 |
|
Photo: Manuel Harlan
|
The James Plays, by Rona Munro are an exhilarating and vividly imagined trio,
bringing to life three generations of Stewart
kings who ruled Scotland from 1406 -1488. Each play stands alone as a unique vision of a
country tussling with its past and future, with its own distinct theatrical
atmosphere. Viewed together they create a complex and compelling narrative on
Scottish culture and nationhood. These historical dramas have been written for
a contemporary audience and are served up with a refreshing modern directness.
 |
|
Photo: Manuel Harlan
|
In a break from the norm, a select
number of seats for the performances are on stage; built into the set, these
seats are at heart of the action and allow the audience members sitting there
to share the performer’s perspective of the space, and become witness to an
ensemble of actors taking the audience through a rarely-explored period of
history with playful wit and boisterous theatricality.
 |
|
Photo: Manuel Harlan
|
The James Plays by Rona Munro, and directed by Laurie Sansom played to sell-out
houses of over 88,000 people during the opening run at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh and
subsequently at the Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, London.
Described by
The Telegraph as “better than Shakespeare” and “Rona Munro's thrilling trilogy
could be the finest history plays ever penned” the plays went on to win the
Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best New Play and the Writers Guild Award
for Best New Play (James I).
 |
|
Photo: Manuel Harlan
|
Laurie Sansom, Artistic Director of
the National Theatre of Scotland and Director of The James Plays says: "The excitement we
all felt at embarking on this journey to bring to life a little known part of
Scottish history and stage Rona's remarkable trilogy, was only matched by the
excitement of sharing it with audiences at the EIF and at the National Theatre
in London. We now have the chance to share it with audiences across the UK which will be a real privilege. We are indebted to all the
partners who have made this possible, including the Scottish Government."
Lisa Burger, Executive Director of
the National Theatre of Great Britain, says: "Our collaboration with the
National Theatre of Scotland on Laurie Sansom’s unforgettable production of The James Plays was undoubtedly one of last year’s
highlights, setting the Olivier Theatre alight with exhilarating energy every
evening. We’re delighted that Rona Munro’s tremendous trilogy will live
again for audiences around the country."
 |
|
Photo: Manuel Harlan
|
The roles of the three James’ will be
played by Steven Miller (Casualty, Black
Watch) as James I, Matthew Pidgeon (RSC’sWolf
Hall, Edward II, The Wonderful World of Dissocia)
as James III, and Andrew Rothney who returns as James II. Other new cast
members include John Stahl (Game of Thrones, Being Human), Andrew Still
(Black Swan, Hollyoaks), Dani Heron (I Am Me, Casualty), Sally
Reid (Rab C. Nesbit, Scot Squad), Brian James, and Rosemary Boyle. They
join Blythe Duff, Peter Forbes, Daniel Cahill, David Mara, Andrew Fraser, Fiona Wood,
Nick Elliot, and Ali Craig who return to the trilogy from the original cast.
Tickets:
The James Plays is
at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Saturday 30th April to Sunday 1st May 2016. Tickets from £42.50 (save 50p per ticket online). All tickets
can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448 11 21 21 (Calls
cost 7ppm plus your phone company’s access charge) or book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment