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2020 Season Announced
11
Sep
By Open Air Theatre
Published: 11 September 2019
We are excited to announce the line-up for our 2020 season, which includes both a newly commissioned musical as well as a classic by Rodgers and Hammerstein, a Shakespeare favourite, and something beastly for ages 3+!
Opening the season is 101 Dalmatians (16 May - 21 June), a new musical by Zinnie Harris (book) and Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics), based on the iconic story by Dodie Smith. Set in Regent’s Park, the newly commissioned musical is directed by Timothy Sheader and has puppetry designed and directed by Toby Olié (Running Wild). We are also thrilled to welcome back to the theatre set and costume designer Katrina Lindsay (Porgy and Bess), choreographer Liam Steel (Peter Pan, Lord of the Flies, Into the Woods) and lighting designer Howard Hudson (On The Town, Little Shop of Horrors). Also joining the team are musical supervisor and orchestrator Sarah Travis and musical director Tarek Merchant. Casting is by Jill Green, with children’s casting by Verity Naughton.
Following this Kimberley Sykes directs Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (27 June - 25 July). Kimberley recently directed Beryl (Octagon, Bolton), As You Like It (RSC/UK Tour), and was nominated for Best Director in the UK Theatre Awards for Dido Queen of Carthage (RSC).
We have become known for our innovative approach to musicals, and the 2020 season concludes with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel (31 July - 19 September), reuniting director Timothy Sheader with Superstar choreographer Drew McOnie. This classic score includes ‘If I Loved You’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
Also playing during the summer, Nicoll Entertainment presents Dragons and Mythical Beasts (11 August - 6 September), a new 50-minute daytime show for everyone aged 3 and over, written by Derek Bond and directed by Derek Bond and Laura Cubitt. Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical interactive show for all the family.
Platform Events
During the 2020 season, esteemed journalist and theatre critic Fiona Mountford will be leading a series of Platform Events. For 101 Dalmatians and Carousel, these will take place prior to an evening performance (so make sure you purchase a ticket for the show as well as the Platform event), and for Romeo and Juliet, she will host a post-matinee discussion and Q&A session.
Public booking is now open.
