The production is set to begin performances at the Theatre Royal Plymouth from Saturday 14th May 2024.
Producers have announced that the world premiere stage production of Michel Hazanavicius’ multi–Academy Award-winning film The Artist will have its debut performances at Theatre Royal Plymouth from Saturday 11 May 2024 with public booking from Friday 9 June 2023.
While casting has yet to be announced, the creative team behind the production is set to include: et and costume designs by Tony and Olivier Award winner Christopher Oram (Wolf Hall Parts I & II, Red, Frozen), music by Tony Award winner Simon Hale (Girl From The North Country, Get Up Stand Up!), lighting by Zoe Spurr (Good, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World), sound by Tony and Olivier Award winner Simon Baker (Matilda The Musical, A Christmas Carol), video by Ash J Woodward (The 47th, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), puppetry by Maia Kirkman-Richards (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice) and casting by Will Burton CDG. The Associate Director/Choreographer is Ebony Molina and the Musical Director is Chris Poon. You can watch interviews with the creative team here.
In 1920s Hollywood the business of making dreams come true is in full swing. Silent movie icon George Valentin has long been the darling of the silver screen when he
meets aspiring actress Peppy Miller. But whilst her star is about to rise, his might just be about to flicker into insignificance. Amidst all the glamour, laughter and romance, the silent movie industry is on the brink of a revolution: the Talkies are on their way.
The Artist won five Academy Awards, seven BAFTAs and three Golden Globe Awards and has been adapted for the stage by Lindsey Ferrentino and Drew McOnie (who is also directing and choreographing the production). The stage production is being produced by Theatre Royal Plymouth, The McOnie Company, Playful Productions, Bill Damaschke, Stephen and Nancy Gabriel and Underbelly.
Drew McOnie, Artistic Director of The McOnie Company, said:“Creating the world premiere stage adaptation of The Artist marks not only the start of a new era in my life as a theatre maker but also an arrival moment for The McOnie Company. I have held its development close to my heart for many years having been mesmerised by the original film. To be joined by such an extraordinary creative team is thrilling and I am so grateful to the team at Theatre Royal Plymouth for supporting our vision of this story and giving us a creative home to launch this special project. Having the support of Michel Hazanavicius, the mastermind behind the original film, is incredibly important to all of us and it’s an honour to bring this beloved story to the stage.The Artist shows us that even within this noisy world we can find our voice if we listen with our hearts.”