The production will officially reopen the Polka Theatre, which has been closed for refurbishment.
Starting performances at the theatre from the 25th September, the production is a promenade performance directed by Hannah Quigley (Marvin’s Binoculars, Schools Tour/Unicorn Theatre). Red is a mix of visual and physical storytelling, which also integrates Sign Language into the performance.
Set in a harrowing world where the wolves have seized control from Queen Sukotai, Alpha Wolf sits on the throne. Only RED can end the conflict and bring harmony to the land however, they are nowhere to be found. Venturing across swamps and exploring the mystical surroundings, this visual and imaginative journey is a quest to locate RED, while avoiding the dangerous sleeping wolves.
The story was developed by Stephen Collins, Peter Glanville and Hannah Quigley, with the creative team also including: set and costume designs by the award-winning Rachana Jadhav (Claire Cunningham’s
Menage a Trois) and Associate Designer Ben Glover (Medea, Cockpit Theatre), with lighting by Offie-nominated Peter Small (Baby Reindeer, Bush Theatre/Edinburgh Fringe), and Sound Designer and Composer Adrienne Quartley (Augmented, Told By An Idiot). The creative team also includes the experienced actor, visual vernacular and movement director Brian Duffy (The Process, The Bunker; Troilus and Cressida, RSC) as Associate Director and BSL Consultant.
The cast is set to include: Zoë McWhinney (The Two Fridas, Chickenshed/ Handprint Theatre, V&A) in the titular role, along with Ciaran O’Brien (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, NYMT; The Story of Guts, Bristol Old Vic) as Alpha Wolf, and Bea Webster (The Winter’s Tale, RSC; Holding/Holding On, National Theatre of Scotland) as The Woodcutter.
Talking about the news, Polka’s Artistic Director Peter Glanville said: “Following on from our £8.5m Future Polka capital redevelopment campaign, I am thrilled we are launching our first season at Polka with RED. This exciting
production takes the audience on an unforgettable journey across woods, swampland and a palace, and is a wonderful chance for audiences to discover the newly redeveloped Polka, as a small audience moves around different parts of the building. This imaginative visual production is performed using Sign Language as the primary language, and we’re thrilled to be working with this talented creative team.”
Red will play at the Polka Theatre from the 25th September until the 31st October.