Continuation of February Theatre Listings Page 2…
Oedipus – Screen stars up close and personal on stage
THIS is a hot ticket in town which has Rami Malek (who played Freddie Mercury in the film ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’) in his UK stage debut playing Oedipus alongside Indira Varma as his mother Jocasta.
Oedipus is a new adaptation of Sophocles’ tragedy, ‘Oedipus Rex’ by Ella Hickson and is co-directed by Matthew Warchus and choreographer, Hofesh Shechter.
Basically, the story is that Oedipus is destined to kill his father and marry his mother, so when he is born his parents leave him on the hillside to die, but he is saved by a shepherd. We won’t say anything more as it will ruin your enjoyment but the overall moral is about fate and free will. Can you ever escape your destiny? All questions relevant and still discussed today.
‘Oedipus’ Ella Hickson adaptation from Sophocles’ original from (January 21) to March March 29 at The Old Vic, 103, The Cut, London SE1 8NB.
1 hour and 40 minutes, no interval
https://www.oldvictheatre.com/stage/oedipus/
East is South – AI in a theatre near you…
IF YOU LIKE more modern stories than ‘East is South’ -a story of artificial intelligence has its world premiere at Hampstead Theatre and could be just the ticket for you.
Written by Beau Willimon (‘House of Cards’, Netflix) it is the tale of Logos – a sophisticated AI programme on the verge of consciousness.
Then there is a security breach, so two coders are in a race against time to find out who has done what and why.
‘East is South’ has a cast of six – Nathalie Armin, Ari Abrams, Aaron Gill, Alec Newman, Kaya Scodelario and Luke Treadaway.
The show delves into the questions that rapidly advancing technology demands we confront: What does it mean to be human? And what is our place in a world where we are no longer the most evolved beings?
‘East is South’ by Beau Willimon from (February 7)- February 15 at Hampstead Avenue, Eton Avenue, London NW3 3EU.
Age guidance 14+ and runs from 7 Feb to 15 March
https://www.hampsteadtheatre.com/whats-on/2024/east-is-south/
The Merchant of Venice 1936 – Mikhail Sen features in Eastenders star Tracy-Ann Oberman production
Jessica (Grainne Dromgoogle)
THIS is a new version of the Shakespeare play, exploring anti-Semitism, relocated to London’s East End during the 1930s.
The lead character of Shylock, the money lender is a matriarch, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman, who is also co-adapter and co-director alongside Brigid Larmour.
The character of Antonio (Joseph Millson) is modelled on Oswald Mosley’s blackshirts and this slick production is described as stunning and features Mikhail Sen as Lorenzo who courts Shylock’s daughter Jessica (Gráinne Dromgoole) and doubles up as a Maharajah hoping to marry the rich high society woman Portia (Georgie Fellows).
The show is an extensive tour across the UK, going to several venues until April 5.
Details on the website, click: https://merchantofvenice1936.co.uk/
A Man for all Seasons – Asif Khan role in popular drama
as Signor Chapuys
A CLASSIC set during the time of Henry VIII ‘A Man for All Seasons’ by Robert Bolt in 1954 continues to fascinate and draw audiences.
It features Martin Shaw as Thomas Cromwell, an ambassador, a Catholic and principled fellow who has a moral dilemma when the king who wants a divorce from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn. Asif Khan appears as a French ambassador Signor Chapuys.
Tour details: https://www.uktw.co.uk/Tour/Play/A-Man-For-All-Seasons/T01993156674/#google_vignette
Animal Farm – modernised and updated for stage version
WRITER George Orwell ‘s thought provoking political fable of “some animals are more equal than others” marks its 80th anniversary in a new adaptation by Tatty Hennessy.
Among the cast is Farshid Rokey who was compelling in the family drama, ‘The Boy at the back of the class’.
The story of treachery and rebellion provides a timely reminder of the true meanings of equality.
‘Animal Farm’ book adaptation for the stage by Tatty Hennessey, Stratford East, from February 7-March 8, at Gerry Raffles Square, Theatre Square, London E15 1BN.
https://www.stratfordeast.com/whats-on/all-shows/animal-farm
At Leeds Playhouse, from March 12-29, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill Leeds LS2 7UP.
https://www.leedsplayhouse.org.uk/event/animal-farm/
At Nottingham Playhouse from April 2-12, Wellington Gardens Nottingham NG1 5AF
https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/animal-farm/
Love Me Like A Chai Tea Latte – award winning show in festival
SANJAY works at a bookshop and is looking for love as a gay Asian man and he has stories.
He has a tale and two to tell, as someone who grew up loving Bollywood and wants to feel that way too about his dates. As he sips chai, he talks about what made him gay and the journey to be his authentic self.
Premiered at the Vaults Festival and then went onto win the Emerging Talent Award from the Neurodiverse Review Awards in Fringe last year.
The show is part of the Soho Rising Festival which a celebration of new work created by comedians, writers and performers who have taken part in Soho Theatre’s Writers’ Lab, Comedy or Cabaret & Drag development strands.
Love Me Like A Chai Tea Latte, Monday, February 10-11, Soho Theatre, 21 Dean St, London W1D 3NE
On from Monday, February 10-11, Soho Theatre, 21 Dean St, London W1D 3NE
Info/Tickets: https://sohotheatre.com/events/love-me-like-a-chai-tea-latte/
