Here’s a few stories that are making the news in the world of theatre:
Barrie Keefe’s Play Barbarians is to be revived at the Tooting Arts Club
It has been announced that the 1977 play that is set in post-recession Britain will be revived by Tooting Arts Club from the 29th September until the 7th November.
The play, which concerns the changing fortunes of three male characters who are on a journey that is brutal as it is funny – set at a time when there was widespread youth unemployment and little opportunity on the horizon.
This production will be performed at the former Central Saint Martins School of Art building in Soho. The temporary venue is being launched in collaboration with Emily Dobbs of Jagged Fence Theatre.
Talking about the revival Barrie Keefe said: “It sounds odd to say, but I’ve mixed feelings about seeing Barbarians revived. When I wrote it, I thought it was a play of its time, but in a way it’s sad that it’s still so relevant to the situation of young people today. Obviously I’m very happy to see it produced, but shocked that the problems in it are still around today.”
Barbarians will be directed by Bill Buckhurst and designed by Simon Kenny.
Initial Cast Announced for Dark Tourism at the Park Theatre
Some of the cast for the world premiere of Dark Tourism playing at the Park Theatre from the 29th September to the 24th October has been announced.
Among the cast taking part in this début production of Daniel Dingsdale’s play are Tamaryn Payne and Jill Winternitz. Television audiences will recognise Tamaryn Payne as a regular on Hollyoaks, while Jill Winternitz has appeared in hit musicals Once and Dirty Dancing.
Directed by Adam Lenson, Dark Tourism is a satire on media cynicism and the the world of celebrity in which anyone can go from nothing to everything and back again in a heartbeat.
The cast will also include Huw Parmenter, Rebecca Brewer, Josie Dunn, the show’s playwright Daniel Dingsdale and Tom Maller – with the rest of the cast yet to be announced.
ATG Expands Further into U.S With Acquisition of Ace Theatrical Group
The Ambassador Theatre Group have signed a deal to acquire Ace Theatrical Group it has been announced.
Ace is a company that specialises in the operation, design and construction of live performance venues from across North America. This new deal means that the total number of ATG venues in the UK, Australia and North America rises to 45 – including two of the biggest theatrical markets: Broadway and the West End.
Ace Theatrical Group’s portfolio of theatrical venues includes: The Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, The Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, Texas and The Saenger Theatre in New Orleans in Louisiana.
In a joint statement, ATG’s CEO’s Sir Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire OBE said: “Our international vision is to roll out our unique fully-integrated business model globally – expanding further throughout North America and into other territories worldwide. The acquisition of ACE presents us with a superb opportunity to work with old friends to help develop that vision. ACE is a team that we know shares ATG’s ethos, ambition and absolute passion for live theatre.”
Meanwhile, Ace Theatrical Group Chairman Allen Becker said: “I have known Howard, Rosemary and the ATG family for more than 20 years, and have invested in their company on two separate occasions. They have built a very successful business, and I am proud that they think enough of ACE and our staff to want us to join them. I believe there will be a great future in store for the combined companies, and look forward to watching their success!”