It's a high-profile name smorgasboard heading to the Noel Coward Theatre for a series of five plays as part of the newly formed Michael Grandage Company's inaugural season. Grandage was the Artistic Director of London's Donmar Warehouse from 2002-2012 and he has recently launched his company to produce film, television and theatre mainly in London and New York. The company's stated aim is to bring high quality work to people at an affordable price.
One of his first ventures is the five show season at the Noel Coward Theatre that will run for 15 months from December 2012 to February 2014. The plan is to set aside 200 tickets per performance to be sold at just £10.00 in order to open up top calibre theatre work to those who may not otherwise be able to afford it.* The venture has attracted a number of famous names as many in the acting profession bemoan the high prices of theatre tickets and the limitations this can have on theatre reaching a wider audience. Grandage will direct all five productions.
The season will commence with a revival of Peter Nichol's
Privates On Parade starring
Simon Russell Beale as the cross-dressing Captain Terri Dennis. The show will run from December 1st to March 2nd. March 9th will see RADA graduate
Ben Whishaw and the godmother of theatre
Dame Judi Dench in new play
Peter and Alice, penned by John Logan, whose last show, Red, won six Tony Awards on Broadway in 2010. Set in the 1930s it explores a chance meeting between the actual inspirations for the characters Peter Pan and Alice In Wonderland at a Lewis Carroll exhibition. The piece will run to 1st June.
Harry Potter and Equus star
Daniel Radcliffe will then head the cast in a new production of Martin McDonagh's comedy
The Cripple of Inishmaan. Radcliffe will play Cripple Billy who dreams of escaping his life on the Isle of Aran and going to Hollywood. The show will reside at the Noel Coward from 8th June to the 31st August. September 7th through to the 13th November will see Little Britain star and Britain's Got Talent judge
David Walliams as Bottom and two-time Olivier Award winner
Sheridan Smith as Titania in
A Midsummer Night's Dream. Shakespeare will follow Shakespeare as the season will conclude with
Henry V, with
Jude Law taking on the infamous title role. This final production will run from 23rd November to 15th February.
Aside from the reduced seats each production will also include a least one free production for London schools and colleges. Tickets for all shows are on sale now.
* Tickets booked through an agency may be subject to a booking fee.
Book tickets for Privates On Parade
here
