PRESS RELEASE embargoed until 10am Monday 12 October 2015
60 YEARS NEW: THE ROYAL COURT
THEATRE ANNOUNCES ITS 60TH YEAR OF
WORK - JANUARY 2016 TO OCTOBER 2016

In 2016 the Royal Court Theatre celebrates its 60th birthday by looking towards the
future. The new season includes six world premieres, five UK and worldwide
collaborations, one European premiere, a major collaboration with LIFT, a partnership
with Picturehouse Cinemas, the return of Open Court and ongoing work in Tottenham
and Pimlico.

Caryl Churchill starts the year with ESCAPED ALONE, a new play directed by James
Macdonald in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Thursday 21 January – Saturday 12
March 2016.

Royal Court Artistic Director Vicky Featherstone directs Alistair McDowall’s new play X in
the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Wednesday 30 March – Saturday 7 May 2016.

The Royal Court involved in UK partnership with Schaubühne Berlin for OPHELIAS
ZIMMER, a new project directed by Katie Mitchell and designed by Royal Court Artistic
Associate Chloe Lamford with text by Alice Birch. Jerwood Theatre Downstairs Tuesday
17 May – Saturday 21 May 2016. The Royal Court Theatre in association with
Schaubühne Berlin.

Anthony Neilson returns to the Royal Court with his new play UNREACHABLE which will
premiere in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Friday 1 July – Saturday 6 August 2016.

Suzan-Lori Parks returns to the Royal Court with a new production of her plays FATHER
COMES HOME FROM THE WARS (PARTS 1,2 & 3) directed by Jo Bonney, Jerwood
Theatre Downstairs, Thursday 15 September – Saturday 22 October 2016.

After a celebrated run in Manchester, Anna Jordan’s Bruntwood award winning play
YEN, directed by Ned Bennett transfers to the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, Friday 22
January - Saturday 13 February 2016. A Royal Court Theatre and Royal Exchange
Theatre Production.

South African playwright Mongiwekhaya’s debut Royal Court play I SEE YOU, directed
by Noma Dumezweni, premieres in the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, Thursday 25 February
– Saturday 26 March 2016. A Royal Court Theatre and Market Theatre, Johannesburg
production, which will tour to Johannesburg after its UK run.

David Ireland makes his Royal Court debut with his new play, CYPRUS AVENUE, in the
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs. The production opens at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin in
February then tours to the Royal Court Tuesday 5 April – Saturday 7 May 2016. Royal
Court Artistic Director Vicky Featherstone directs. A Royal Court Theatre and the Abbey
Theatre production.

Stef Smith’s Royal Court debut HUMAN ANIMALS, a new play directed by Royal Court
Associate Director Hamish Pirie premieres in the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, Wednesday
18 May – Saturday 18 June 2016.

Charlene James makes her Royal Court debut with CUTTIN’ IT, directed by Gbolahan
Obisesan, which will play in the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, Friday 24 June – Saturday 9
July 2016. A Royal Court / Young Vic co-production with Birmingham Repertory Theatre,
Sheffield Theatres and The Yard Theatre.

Nathaniel Martello-White’s Royal Court debut play TORN will premiere in the Jerwood
Theatre Upstairs, Wednesday 7 September – Saturday 15 October 2016.

The Royal Court Theatre partners with LIFT for a month of work in collaboration with
international communities, including a co-commission of THE ISLANDS by Argentinian
artist Lola Arias, OPEN FOR EVERYTHING by Constanza Macras/DorkyPark and the
Migration Commissions, a series of works from international artists on the theme of
migration and displacement – a response to the refugee and migrant crisis. Dates to be
announced.

TOLD FROM THE INSIDE new plays exploring accounts of exile, displacement and
survival developed through a project with emerging Lebanese and Syrian writers,
presented in workshop performances.

As part of the Royal Court’s inclusive programme of activities for young people up to
age 21, YOUNG COURT launches the ROYAL COURT YOUTH BOARD, YOUTH
THEATRE, the YOUNG PEOPLE’S SCRIPT PANEL, OPEN COURT, and returning for
a third year – PRIMETIME which will tour to schools in north and south London.

ROYAL COURT: PIMLICO AND TOTTENHAM sees second year of a three-year
residency in SW1V and N17.

The Royal Court Theatre partners with Picturehouse Cinemas for ROYAL COURT ON
SCREEN - a season of gala screenings of productions which have gone from stage to
screen to mark the 60th anniversary.

THE BIG IDEA continues with a programme of talks, debates and workshops exploring
the work on stage. The Royal Court has now presented over 60 Big Idea events live and
online to a global audience.

Tickets for the new season go on sale to Friends on Tuesday 13th at 10am and to the
general public on Thursday 15th at 10am. 020 7565 5000 / www.royalcourttheatre.com
Commenting on the new season Artistic Director Vicky Featherstone said;
“In 1956 George Devine founded the Royal Court. He called for a theatre 'where the
experimentalists of the modern era may be seen', with 'hard-hitting, uncompromising writers',
where 'their works are stimulating, provocative and exciting', not 'bringing the dramatist of
the past into focus for the present', but giving attention to the future.
60 years on the Royal Court is still striving to do the very same thing. The programme
encompasses the very best in writing for theatre, with a new full-length play by Caryl
Churchill, a new piece by Anthony Neilson, a new play by Alistair McDowall and a return to
the Royal Court from Suzan-Lori Parks as well as new writers debuting at the Royal Court
for the first time – among them David Ireland, Charlene James, Anna Jordan, Nathaniel
Martello-White, Mongiwekhaya and Stef Smith.
Responding as ever to the writers, our work is challenging and ambitious and looks to our
collective futures. This is undoubtedly among one of the most internationally outward-looking
years the Royal Court has ever seen. With collaborations including the Schaubühne Berlin,
the Abbey Theatre, the Market Theatre Johannesburg and LIFT; as well as meaningful
projects about refugees and migration, we are thinking hard about our place in the world.
I am delighted too that our programme for young people, Young Court, is being launched in
this year. We are thrilled to be bringing back Open Court – only this time young people will
have the keys.
The Royal Court has been unique for 60 years – I look forward to launching it into the next
60.”
Escaped Alone
By Caryl Churchill
Directed by James Macdonald
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Thursday 21 January – Saturday 12 March 2016
“I’m walking down the street and there’s a door in the fence open and inside there are three
women I’ve seen before.”
Three old friends and a neighbour. A summer of afternoons in the back yard. Tea and
catastrophe.
“Stories of those above ground were told and retold till there were myths of the husband who
cooked feasts, the wife who swam the ocean, the gay lover who could fly, the child who read
minds, the talking dog.”
Caryl Churchill returns to the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Downstairs with Escaped Alone,
directed by James Macdonald.
Design by Miriam Buether, Lighting by Peter Mumford and Sound by Christopher Shutt.
Caryl Churchill’s previous work for the Royal Court Theatre includes Ding Dong the
Wicked; Love and Information; Seven Jewish Children; Drunk Enough to Say I Love You?; A
Number; Far Away; Blue Heart; Serious Money; Top Girls and Cloud Nine. Recent Revivals
of Churchill’s plays include The Skriker (Royal Exchange) and Light Shining in
Buckinghamshire plus new play Here We Go (National).
James Macdonald’s previous work for the Royal Court Theatre includes The Wolf from the
Door, Circle Mirror Transformation, Love and Information (and off-Broadway), Cock, Drunk
Enough to Say I Love You?, Blasted and the European and US tours of Sarah Kane’s 4.48
Psychosis. He was Associate Director at the Royal Court 1992-2007. Other recent work
includes The Father (Theatre Royal Bath, Tricycle and West End), Exiles (National) and
Glengarry Glen Ross (West End).
Listings Information:
Escaped Alone
By Caryl Churchill
Directed by James Macdonald
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Thursday 21 January – Saturday 12 March 2016
Monday – Saturday 7.30pm
Thursday & Saturday matinees 2.30pm (from 30 January)
Captioned Performance 23 February 7.30pm
Audio Described 27 February 2.30pm (Touch Tour 1pm)
Press Night Thursday 28 January 7pm
Age Guidance 14+
Tickets £12, £16, £25, £35 (Mondays all seats £10 available from 9am online on the day of
performance)
Concessions* £5 off top two prices. 25s and under £12 (available in advance for previews
and all matinees)
Access £12 (plus a companion at the same rate)
*ID required. All discounts subject to availability.
______________________________________________________________________
YEN
By Anna Jordan
Directed by Ned Bennett
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Friday 22 January - Saturday 13 February 2016
A Royal Court Theatre and Royal Exchange Theatre production
“I’m Bobbie. As in Bobbie Dazzler, my Nan says, although I don’t know who that is. And this
is my brother Hench. He’s got a face for radio.”
Hench is 16, Bobbie is 13. They’re home alone in Feltham with their dog Taliban; playing
PlayStation, streaming porn, watching the world go by. Sometimes their mum Maggie visits,
usually with empty pockets and empty promises.
Then Jenny shows up.
“She’s in our territory, bruv. She’s in our territory! She’s in our territory.”
After a celebrated run in Manchester at the Royal Exchange Theatre YEN, by Anna Jordan,
transfers to the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs.
Anna won the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting for YEN in 2013.
Ned Bennett, former Royal Court trainee director, directs. The cast includes Alex Austin,
Sian Breckin, Jake Davies and Annes Elwy.
Design by Georgia Lowe, Lighting by Elliot Griggs and Composition and Sound by Giles
Thomas.
Anna Jordan’s work includes Chicken Shop (Park Theatre); Freak (Theatre503) Stay Happy
Keep Smiling (Soho) and The Freedom Light (Company of Angels).
Ned Bennett’s previous work at the Royal Court includes Primetime and Pigeons. His
production of Pomona (Orange Tree) recently transferred to the National Theatre. Other
credits include YEN (Manchester Royal Exchange), Superior Donuts (Southwark Playhouse)
and Mercury Fur (Old Red Lion and Trafalgar Studios). He was also trainee director at the
Royal Court Theatre.
Alex Austin’s previous credits for the Royal Court Theatre include Pigeons. Other theatre
includes Barbarians (Bad Physics/Young Vic), YEN (Manchester Royal Exchange), The
Nutcracker, The Man With the Disturbingly Smelly Foot (Unicorn), Idomeneus (Gate), Hope,
Light and Nowhere (Suba Das Company/Underbelly), HMP Feltham Project (Synergy
Theatre), Ryan Gander: Locked Room Scenario (Artsangel), Life in my Shoes (Body and
Sould Charity) and My City (Almeida). Television includes Sherlock, The Interceptor, New
Tricks, The Musketeers, Misfits and Holby City. Film includes Legacy, The Christmas
Candle, The Hooligan Factory, The World’s End and The Swarm.
Sian Breckin’s previous theatre includes Yen (Manchester Royal Exchange), Geisha Girls
(Bush/Bush Beano, Omar Elerian), But I Cd Only Whisper (Arcola), Chalet Lines (Bush), The
Baron, 24 Hour Plays Old Vic New Voices (Old Vic), Christine (New End Theatre), Mancub
(Vanishing Point/Soho), The Fool (Wiltons Music Hall) and The Recruiting Officer (Blue
Elephant). Television includes Houdini & Doyle, Silent Witness, Truckers, Dates, Casualty,
Scott & Bailey, D.C.I. Banks: Aftermath, Heartbeat, George Gently, The Bill and The Royal.
Film includes Starred Up, Tyrannosaur and Donkey Punch.
Jake Davies’ previous theatre includes Barbarians (Central St Martins), YEN (Manchester
Royal Exchange), Friend or Foe, Good Person of Szechuan (Mercury, Colchester), Jungle
Book (Citizens Theatre, Glasgow), Beautiful Thing (Arts Theatre), London Wall (Finborough)
and Something for the Winter (Southwark). Television includes Silent Witness, Cyber Bully,
A Mother’s Son, Call the Midwife, Holby City and Bad Education. Film includes X+Y, Leave
to Remain and Vengeance.
Annes Elwy’s previous credits include The Crucible (Bristol Old Vic) and YEN (Manchester
Royal Exchange). Television includes Lan A Lawr and Gwaith/Cartref. Film includes The
Passing/Yr Ymadawiad.
The Royal Exchange Theatre is a leading producing theatre situated in the heart of
Manchester. Its ambitious programme is inspired by the world’s greatest stories: stories that
have the power to change the way we see the world. That means taking artistic risks,
working as part of exciting partnerships, championing new talent and seeking out bold
collaborations. A record number of people experienced their work in the last year, and they
continue to broaden their output on and offstage, to speak to the most diverse audiences in
Manchester and beyond.
The Royal Exchange is committed to supporting and developing new writing, and together
with the property company Bruntwood they run The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting - the
UK’s biggest playwriting competition. Anna Jordan’s YEN was the 2013 prize winner and
2015 sees the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting celebrate its 10th Anniversary year. Future
Royal Exchange Theatre collaborations include a partnership with the National Theatre, with
a co-production of The Orange Tree Theatre’s Pomona by Alistair McDowall, as well as
Husbands and Sons adapted by Ben Power, and a co-production of King Lear with Talawa
Theatre in 2016.
YEN is a Royal Court Theatre and Royal Exchange Theatre production.
Listings Information:
YEN
By Anna Jordan
Directed by Ned Bennett
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Friday 22 January - Saturday 13 February 2016
A Royal Court Theatre and Royal Exchange Theatre production
Monday – Saturday 7.45pm
Thursday & Saturday matinees 3pm (from 28 January)
Captioned Performance 10 February 7.45pm
Press Night Monday 25 January 7pm
Age Guidance 14+
Tickets £20 (Mondays all seats £10 available from 9am online on the day of performance)
Concessions* £15 (available in advance for previews and all matinees)
Access £12 (plus a companion at the same rate)
*ID required. All discounts subject to availability.
I See You
By Mongiwekhaya
Directed by Noma Dumezweni
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Thursday 25 February – Saturday 26 March 2016
A Royal Court Theatre and Market Theatre, Johannesburg production
International Playwrights: A Genesis Foundation Project
“Speak to me in your mother-tongue and I will let you go.”
Post-Apartheid South Africa, after dark.
Ben meets Skinn for a night out. But the party is interrupted by the police. Ben, a young
student who doesn’t know his own history, is accused of a crime he didn’t commit. And
Officer Buthelezi, a former freedom fighter, can’t let it go.
“I don’t need your sorries white boy. Yes You heard right. You know white people think we’re
the same? We both look black. But only one of us is black.”
I See You (English) / Ngiyakubona (Zulu) / Ek Sien Jou (Afrikaans) / Ndiyakubona (Xhosa)
Based on a real encounter, I See You addresses the questions of a new generation of South
Africans encountering their country’s traumatised past.
Mongiwekhaya’s Royal Court debut play is presented as part of International Playwrights, a
Genesis Foundation Project. It was developed during the Royal Court’s new writing project in
South Africa which began in 2013. The project was supported by the British Council and
Connect ZA.
After its run in the JTU I See You will tour to the Market Theatre, Johannesburg.
Noma Dumezweni makes her directorial debut.
Mongiwekhaya is a writer, performer and director with Handspring Puppet Company and
currently performing in the international tour of Ubu and the Truth Commission. Previous
work includes Kagg’an Dreams (Handspring Trust); Fallen, The Feather Collector
(Grahamstown Festival). He is currently Artist in Residence for Center for Humanities
Research (CHR) at the University of Western Cape and a member of the newly formed SA
Playriot group.
Noma Dumezweni makes her directorial debut. Her work as an actor includes Carmen
Disruption (Almeida), The Bogus Woman (The Red Room, Traverse and Bush theatres),
President of an Empty Room and The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other (National);
Macbeth, Breakfast with Mugabe, The Winter’s Tale, Romeo and Juliet (RSC) and A Raisin
in the Sun (Young Vic) for which she was awarded an Olivier Award for Best Performance in
a Supporting Role. In 2013-2015 she appeared in A Human Being Died That Night at the
Hampstead Theatre, the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town, the Market Theatre in
Johannesburg and BAM in New York.
Based in Johannesburg’s vibrant Newtown Precinct, the Market Theatre was established in
1976 to operate as an independent, non-racial playhouse during the country’s apartheid
regime. The theatre is renowned world-wide for brilliant anti-apartheid productions as well as
the premieres of many of Athol Fugard’s award-winning dramas. The Market Theatre’s
history is intertwined with the cultural, social and political struggle for freedom in South
Africa. The Market Theatre has a legacy for riveting storytelling and creating dialogue and
thus has launched many initiatives that have supported and showcased many outstanding
theatre productions. For more information please visit www.markettheatre.co.za
I See You is a Royal Court Theatre and Market Theatre, Johannesburg production.
The Big Idea:
Mongiwekhaya in conversation
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Friday 4 March, Post-show
Playwright Mongiwekhaya will be in conversation with Royal Court International Director,
Elyse Dodgson.
Further Big Ideas to be announced.
Listings Information:
I See You
By Mongiwekhaya
Directed by Noma Dumezweni
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Thursday 25 February – Saturday 26 March 2016
A Royal Court Theatre and Market Theatre, Johannesburg production
International Playwrights: A Genesis Foundation Project
Monday – Saturday 7.45pm
Thursday & Saturday matinees 3pm (from 5 March)
Captioned Performance 23 March 7.45pm
Press Night Thursday 3 March 7pm
Age Guidance 14+
Tickets £20 (Mondays all seats £10 available from 9am online on the day of performance)
Concessions* £15 (available in advance for previews and all matinees)
Access £12 (plus a companion at the same rate)
*ID required. All discounts subject to availability.
X
By Alistair McDowall
Directed by Vicky Featherstone
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Wednesday 30 March – Saturday 7 May 2016
“It’s a tax write-off. This is where they send the new, the underqualified, the old. And most of
all the British. Mars is full of blonde Americans. It’s like they’re building the master race out
there.”
Billions of miles from home, the lone research base on Pluto has lost contact with Earth.
Unable to leave or send for help, the skeleton crew sit waiting.
Waiting.
Waiting long enough for time to start eating away at them.
To lose all sense of it.
To start seeing things in the dark outside.
“Can you help me?... I really feel like I’m… I’m hanging on by my nails here…”
Alistair McDowall’s new play X is directed by Royal Court Artistic Director Vicky
Featherstone.
Alistair McDowall’s previous Royal Court credits include Talk Show (Open Court) and
Brilliant Adventures (Young Writers Festival reading). Other credits include Pomona (Orange
Tree/National), Brilliant Adventures (Royal Exchange/Live Theatre Newcastle and Edinburgh
Fringe). Alistair won the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting for Brilliant Adventures at the Royal
Exchange in 2013.
Vicky Featherstone is Artistic Director of the Royal Court Theatre. Her work for the Royal
Court includes How to Hold Your Breath; God Bless the Child; Maidan: Voices from the
Uprising; The Mistress Contract; The Ritual Slaughter of George Mastromas; Talk Show;
Untitled Matriarch Play and The President Has Come to See You. Her other work includes
Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour; Enquirer; An Appointment with the Wicker Man; 27; The
Wheel; Somersaults (National Theatre of Scotland); The Small Things; Pyrenees; On
Blindness; Tiny Dynamite; Crazy Gary’s Mobile Disco; Splendour; Crave (Paines Plough).
Vicky was Artistic Director of Paines Plough 1997-2005 and Artistic Director of The National
Theatre of Scotland 2005-2012. In 2016 Vicky will also direct Cyprus Avenue by David
Ireland.
The Big Idea:
Alistair McDowall in conversation
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Tuesday 19 April, Post-show
Playwright Alistair McDowall will be in conversation with Royal Court Artistic Director Vicky
Featherstone.
Listings Information:
X
By Alistair McDowall
Directed by Vicky Featherstone
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Wednesday 30 March – Saturday 7 May 2016
Monday – Saturday 7.30pm
Thursday & Saturday matinees 2.30pm (from 7 April)
Captioned Performance 26 April 7.30pm
Audio Described 23 April 2.30pm (Touch Tour 1pm)
Press Night Tuesday 5 April 7pm
Age Guidance 14+
Tickets £12, £16, £25, £35 (Mondays all seats £10 available from 9am online on the day of
performance)
Concessions* £5 off top two prices. 25s and under £12 (available in advance for previews
and all matinees)
Access £12 (plus a companion at the same rate)
*ID required. All discounts subject to availability.
Cyprus Avenue
By David Ireland
Directed by Vicky Featherstone
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Tuesday 5 April – Saturday 7 May 2016
A Royal Court Theatre and Abbey Theatre production
“Without prejudice we’re nothing! If we don’t discriminate, we don’t survive!”
Eric Miller is a Belfast Loyalist. He believes his five-week old granddaughter is Gerry Adams.
His family keep telling him to stop living in the past and fighting old battles that nobody cares
about anymore but his cultural heritage is under siege. He must act.
The story of one man struggling with the past and terrified of the future.
“Gerry Adams has disguised himself as a new-born baby and successfully infiltrated my
family home.”
David Ireland’s Royal Court debut sees his new play, Cyprus Avenue, play in the Jerwood
Theatre Upstairs following its premiere at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. Royal Court Artistic
Director Vicky Featherstone directs.
David Ireland’s work includes Summertime (Tinderbox); Trouble and Shame, Most
Favoured, The End of Desire (Òran Mór); Can’t Forget About You (Lyric, Belfast) and Half a
Glass of Water (Abbey Theatre). David is the former Playwright-in-Residence at the Lyric
Theatre Belfast, and is a recent winner of the Stewart Parker BBC Radio Drama Award and
the Meyer Whitworth Award.
The Abbey Theatre was founded as Ireland’s national theatre, by W.B. Yeats and Lady
Gregory in 1904 “to bring upon the stage the deeper emotions of Ireland”. Although written
more than a hundred years ago, this is still the kernel of what constitutes the artistic
imperative for the Abbey Theatre today. The Abbey produces an annual programme of
diverse, engaging, innovative Irish and international theatre and invests in and promotes
new Irish writers and artists. They do this by placing the writer and theatre-maker at the
heart of all they do, commissioning and producing exciting new work and creating discourse
and debate on the political, cultural and social issues of the day. Abbey Theatre’s aim is to
present great theatre art in a national context so that the stories told on stage have a
resonance with artists and audiences alike.
Cyprus Avenue is a Royal Court Theatre and Abbey Theatre production.
It is an Abbey Theatre Commission.
Supported by Cockayne Grants for the Arts, a donor-advised fund of London Community
Foundation.
Supported by Culture Ireland as part of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.
Listings Information:
Cyprus Avenue
By David Ireland
Directed by Vicky Featherstone
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Tuesday 5 April – Saturday 7 May 2016
A Royal Court Theatre co-production with the Abbey Theatre, Dublin
Monday – Saturday 7.45pm
Captioned Performance 27 April 7.45pm
Press Night Thursday 7 April 7pm
Age Guidance 14+
Tickets £20 (Mondays all seats £10 available from 9am online on the day of performance)
Concessions* £15 (available in advance for previews and all matinees)
Access £12 (plus a companion at the same rate)
*ID required. All discounts subject to availability.
Ophelias Zimmer
Directed by Katie Mitchell
Designed by Chloe Lamford
Text by Alice Birch
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Tuesday 17 May – Saturday 21 May 2016
The Royal Court Theatre in association with Schaubühne Berlin
“I do not know, my lord, what I should think.”
Katie Mitchell explores Ophelia, freed from Hamlet.
Schaubühne Berlin partners with the Royal Court Theatre to collaborate on Katie Mitchell’s
new project Ophelias Zimmer. Designed by Royal Court Artistic Associate Chloe Lamford
with text by Alice Birch, the production will be in German with English surtitles.
The production will open in Berlin in December 2015.
Katie Mitchell’s previous work at the Royal Court includes 2071, Ten Billion, Wastwater,
The City, The Country and Forty Winks. Other work includes The Trial of Ubu Roi
(Hampstead Theatre), After Dido (ENO and Young Vic), and A Woman Killed with Kindness,
Pains of Youth, …Some Trace of Her, Waves, Three Sisters and The Seagull (National
Theatre). International work includes The Forbidden Zone (Salzburg Festival. Schaubühne,
Berlin); A Sorrow Beyond Dreams (Vienna Burgtheater); Lungs, The Yellow Wallpaper
(Schaubühne, Berlin); Happy Days and Travelling On One Leg (Schauspielhaus, Hamburg);
Night Train (Schauspiel, Cologne/Avignon Festival/Theatertreffen); Rings of Saturn, Waves
(Schauspiel, Cologne). Katie has been Associate Director at the Royal Court Theatre, RSC
and the National Theatre. She was awarded an OBE in 2009 for services to Drama.
Chloe Lamford is Artistic Associate at the Royal Court Theatre where credits include The
Twits, How to Hold Your Breath, God Bless the Child, 2071, Teh Internet is Serious
Business, Open Court and Circle Mirror Transformation. Other work includes Salt Root and
Roe (Donmar/Trafalgar Studios); Lungs (Schaubühne, Berlin); 1984
(Headlong/Almeida/West End/Tour); Rules for Living and The World Of Extreme Happiness
(National); Cannibals (Royal Exchange); The Events (Actors Touring Company/Young
Vic/Tour); The History Boys (Crucible, Sheffield); Disco Pigs, Sus, Blackta (Young Vic).
Chloe has been awarded with the Theatrical Management Association Award for Best
Theatre Design (Small Miracle) and the Arts Foundation Fellowship Award for Design for
Performance: Set & Costume.
Alice Birch’s previous work at the Royal Court includes Peckham: The Soap Opera and
Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again (RSC). Other credits include We Want You To Watch
(National Theatre), Little on the Inside (Almeida), Life for Beginners and Many Moons
(Theatre 503), Come to Where I’m From (Oxford Playhouse), Bonfires (Arcola), Light Fittings
(Dogstar), Tom and Sal (M+D). Alice received the Arts Foundation Award for Playwriting in
2014 and was shortlisted for the Bruntwood Prize in 2013.
The Schaubühne was founded in 1962. Since 1999 it has been led by artistic director
Thomas Ostermeier. The foundation of his tenure was laid in the formation of a new
ensemble of permanently employed actors, who essentially have been working together ever
since, regularly extended by new appointments. The Schaubühne premieres a minimum of
ten shows per season alongside a repertoire of over 30 existing productions. One of the
theatre’s distinctive features is a stylistic variety in approaches to directing, which includes
new forms of dance and musical theatre. The repertoire encompasses the great dramatic
works of world literature and contemporary plays from internationally renowned
writers. Alongside directors from Berlin such as Thomas Ostermeier, Michael Thalheimer,
Armin Petras, Patrick Wengenroth, Falk Richter and Marius von Mayenburg the theatre
frequently offers a platform in Berlin to notable directors from abroad. Currently productions
by Romeo Castellucci, Katie Mitchell, Rodrigo García, Yael Ronen and choreographer
Constanza Macras are being shown at the theatre. At the same time, the Schaubühne
showcases its productions abroad in over 100 performances every year: whether at big
international festivals or at theatres around the world including in New York, Paris, Rome,
São Paulo, London, Moscow, Oslo, Ramallah, Melbourne, Taipei, Tel Aviv, Seoul,
Barcelona, Tokyo, Prague, Sydney, Montreal and Beijing.
Listings Information:
Ophelias Zimmer
Directed by Katie Mitchell
Designed by Chloe Lamford
Text by Alice Birch
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Tuesday 17 May – Saturday 21 May 2016
The Royal Court Theatre in association with Schaubühne Berlin
Tuesday – Saturday 7.30pm
Thursday & Saturday matinees 2.30pm (19 & 21 May)
Press Night No press night
Age Guidance 14+
Tickets £12, £16, £25, £35 (Mondays all seats £10 available from 9am online on the day of
performance)
Concessions* £5 off top two prices. 25s and under £12 (available in advance for previews
and all matinees)
Access £12 (plus a companion at the same rate)
*ID required. All discounts subject to availability.
Human Animals
By Stef Smith
Directed by Hamish Pirie
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Wednesday 18 May – Saturday 18 June 2016
“Don’t go burying wild animals in my garden… or at least ask for permission first.”
In the overcrowded city, nature is getting out of control.
The mice are scratching between walls, the pigeons are diseased and the foxes are
beginning to rule the streets.
The problem is growing. It’s contagious. It has to be stopped, before it’s too late.
“People can get used to terrible things, very quickly. If they have to. It doesn’t take much for
things to start to fall apart.”
Stef Smith’s Royal Court debut new play Human Animals, directed by Royal Court Associate
Director Hamish Pirie, premieres in the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs.
Stef Smith was a member of the inaugural Royal Court national writer’s group. Her work
includes Swallow (Traverse Theatre); Remote (NT Connections); And the Beat Goes
On (Random Accomplice/Perth Horsecross Theatres); Cured (The Arches,
Glasgow); Woman of the Year (Òran Mór); Grey Matter (Lemon Tree); Falling/Flying (Tron,
Glasgow) and Roadkill (Edinburgh Festival). She was awarded an Olivier Award for
Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre, Best New Production – The Critics Award
for Theatre in Scotland, Amnesty International Expression of Freedom Award, Herald Angel,
Total Theatre Award and Fringe First Award for Roadkill; and the Scottish Arts Club Theatre
award and Fringe First Award for Swallow. She has also been awarded the New Playwright
Award by Playwrights Studio Scotland. Stef is an associate artist at the Traverse
Theatre.
Hamish Pirie is Associate Director at the Royal Court where his work includes Violence and
Son, Who Cares and Teh Internet is Serious Business. Other work includes Shibboleth
(Abbey), I’m With the Band, Quiz Show, Love With A Capital ‘L’, 3 Seconds, Most Favoured,
Demos, Bravo Figaro, The Last Bloom and 50 Plays for Edinburgh (Traverse), Salt Root and
Roe (Donmar/Trafalgar); Purgatory, Stacy (Arcola & Trafalgar Studios) and Pennies
(nabokov). Hamish was Resident Assistant Director at Paines Plough and at the Donmar
Warehouse.
The Big Idea:
Stef Smith in conversation
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Wednesday 1 June, Post-show
Playwright Stef Smith will be in conversation.
Further Big Ideas to be announced.
Listings Information:
Human Animals
By Stef Smith
Directed by Hamish Pirie
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Wednesday 18 May – Saturday 18 June 2016
Monday – Saturday 7.45pm
Thursday & Saturday matinees 3pm (from 26 May)
Captioned Performance 14 June 7.45pm
Press Night Monday 23 May 7pm
Age Guidance 14+
Tickets £20 (Mondays all seats £10 available from 9am online on the day of performance)
Concessions* £15 (available in advance for previews and all matinees)
Access £12 (plus a companion at the same rate)
*ID required. All discounts subject to availability.
________________________________________________________________________
Cuttin’ It
By Charlene James
Directed by Gbolahan Obisesan
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Friday 24 June – Saturday 9 July 2016
A Royal Court / Young Vic co-production with Birmingham Repertory Theatre,
Sheffield Theatres and The Yard Theatre
“I know what it meant to have a little sister. I knew what it meant for her.”
Teenagers Muna and Iqra get the same bus to school but they’ve never really spoken. Muna
wears Topshop and sits on the top deck gossiping about Nicki Minaj’s latest beef, while Iqra
sits alone downstairs in her charity shop hand-me-downs.
They were both born in Somalia but come from different worlds. But as they get closer, they
realise that their families share a painful secret.
“We’re opposites, even though we came from the same, she’s nuttin like me. An that
shames me.”
Charlene James’ Royal Court debut play Cuttin’ It, directed by Gbolahan Obisesan, tackles
the urgent issue of FGM in Britain. Charlene won the George Devine Award for Most
Promising Playwright in 2015 and the Alfred Fagon Award for Best New Play for Cuttin’ It.
Designed by Joanna Scotcher.
Charlene James participated in the Royal Court’s Young Writers Programme. Her theatre
work includes Tweet Tweet (Birmingham Repertory Theatre), Bacon (Arcola), Dad (Die)
(Talawa Firsts), Do You Want To Continue? (Theatre 503) and Maybe Father (Young Vic),
which was shortlisted for the Alfred Fagon Award. She won the Alfred Fagon and George
Devine Awards for Cuttin’ It.
Gbolahan Obisesan’s previous work at the Royal Court includes Feast as a playwright and
School Gate, a microfilm as part of the Guardian Off the Page series. As a writer his credits
include Pigeon English (Bristol Old Vic), Mad About the Boy (Edinburgh Festival, Unicorn,
Bush, Young Vic) and Hold It Up (National Youth Theatre/Soho). As a writer and director his
credits include How Nigeria Became, A Story, and a Spear That Didn’t Work (Unicorn). Other
directing credits include We Are Proud To Present… (Bush); SUS (Young Vic & Tour). He
was also awarded the Bulldog Princep Bursary as Resident Director at the National Theatre
Studio 2008-9. He is currently Genesis Fellow at the Young Vic.
Cuttin’ It is a Royal Court / Young Vic co-production with Birmingham Repertory Theatre,
Sheffield Theatres and The Yard Theatre.
The Big Idea:
Charlene James in conversation
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Tuesday 5 July, Post-show
Playwright Charlene James will be in conversation.
Further Big Ideas to be announced.
Listings Information:
Cuttin’ It
By Charlene James
Directed by Gbolahan Obisesan
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Friday 24 June – Saturday 9 July 2016
A Royal Court / Young Vic co-production with Birmingham Repertory Theatre,
Sheffield Theatres and The Yard Theatre
Monday – Saturday 7.45pm
Thursday & Saturday matinees 3pm (from 25 June)
Press Night Friday 27 May 7pm at the Young Vic via CharlotteBayley@youngvic.org
Age Guidance 14+
Tickets £20 (Mondays all seats £10 available from 9am online on the day of performance)
Concessions* £15 (available in advance for previews and all matinees)
Access £12 (plus a companion at the same rate)
*ID required. All discounts subject to availability.
Friday 20 May – Saturday 11 June 2016
Young Vic
The Young Vic Theatre, 66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ
www.youngvic.org
Tuesday 14 June - Saturday 18 June 2016
Birmingham Repertory Theatre
The Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, B1 2EP
www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
Wednesday 20 July - Saturday 23 July 2016
Sheffield Crucible Studio
Sheffield Crucible, 55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1DA
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
Tuesday 26 July – Saturday 30 July 2016
The Yard Theatre
The Yard Theatre, Unit 2a Queen’s Yard, London E9 5EN
www.theyardtheatre.co.uk
Unreachable
Written and directed by Anthony Neilson
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Friday 1 July – Saturday 6 August 2016
A film director on an obsessive quest to capture the perfect light.
Writer and director Anthony Neilson returns to the Royal Court with a new play that will be
created in the rehearsal room with a cast of actors to be announced.
Renowned for his pioneering, ground-breaking and imaginative new work, Anthony
Neilson’s credits at the Royal Court include The Get Out, Narrative, Get Santa!, Relocated,
The Wonderful World of Dissocia (winner Best Production in both the TMA and Critic’s
Awards for Theatre in Scotland), The Lying King, Heredity and The Censor, which won the
Writers Guild and Time Out Award. His other work includes Edward Gant’s Amazing Feats of
Loneliness (Drum Theatre Plymouth), Stitching (The Traverse, The Bush – Time Out Off
West End Award) and Normal (Edinburgh Festival). His films include The Debt Collector and
Deeper Still.
Listings Information:
Unreachable
Written and directed by Anthony Neilson
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Friday 1 July – Saturday 6 August 2016
Monday – Saturday 7.30pm
Saturday matinees 2.30pm (from 16 July)
Captioned performance 3 August 7.30pm
Audio described 6 August 2.30pm (Touch tour 1pm)
Press Night Friday 8 July, 7pm
Age Guidance 14+
Tickets £12, £16, £25, £35 (Mondays all seats £10 available from 9am online on the day of
performance)
Concessions* £5 off top two prices. 25s and under £12 (available in advance for previews
and all matinees)
Access £12 (plus a companion at the same rate)
*ID required. All discounts subject to availability.
Torn
By Nathaniel Martello-White
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Wednesday 7 September – Saturday 15 October 2016
“’Cos whether you like it or not, some way, everything that went before, is fed to them who
come after.”
Generations of secrets have broken the Brook family.
Siblings spilt-up, traded off, treated differently.
Angel, the youngest, has called a family meeting to sift through the wreckage. And she’s not
leaving until they’ve confronted the truth about how and why her family failed her.
“Where you standing? I say where you standing on this? You think it happened or you don’t
think it happened?”
Nathaniel Martello-White’s Royal Court debut play Torn will premiere in the Jerwood Theatre
Upstairs.
Nathaniel Martello-White’s first play was Blackta (Young Vic). As an actor his credits at the
Royal Court include Who Cares; Teh Internet is Serious Business; Gastronauts and Oxford
Street. Other acting credits include People, Places and Things; Edward II (National), City
Madame; A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Marat/Sade (RSC), Innocence (Arcola), Joe
Turner’s Come and Gone; The Brothers Size (Young Vic).
Listings Information:
Torn
By Nathaniel Martello-White
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Wednesday 7 September – Saturday 15 October 2016
Monday – Saturday 7.45pm
Thursday & Saturday matinees 3pm (from 15 September)
Captioned Performance 12 October 7.45pm
Press Night Tuesday 13 September, 7pm
Age Guidance 14+
Tickets £20 (Mondays all seats £10 available from 9am online on the day of performance)
Concessions* £15 (available in advance for previews and all matinees)
Access £12 (plus a companion at the same rate)
*ID required. All discounts subject to availability.
Father Comes Home From The Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3)
By Suzan-Lori Parks
Directed by Jo Bonney
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Thursday 15 September – Saturday 22 October 2016
“Seems like the worth of a colored man, once he’s free is less than his worth as a slave.”
West Texas, 1862. Hero, a slave, is promised his freedom if he joins his master in the ranks
of the Confederacy against the Union. In a nation at war with itself, he must work against
those striving to abolish slavery.
The family he leaves behind debates whether to escape or await his return. They fear that,
for Hero, freedom is an empty promise that may come at a great cost.
“You know good and well that his freedom-promise is only ever linked to something bad.”
Suzan-Lori Parks returns to the Royal Court with her new plays Father Comes Home From
The Wars (Parts 1,2 & 3) directed by Jo Bonney.
Suzan-Lori Parks made her Royal Court debut with Topdog/Underdog. Other work includes
Watch Me Work; The Book of Grace (Public Theater); 365 Days/365 Plays (New Dance
Group Arts Center), Fucking A; In the Blood; Venus; The America Play; Betting on the Dust
Commander; The Sinner’s Place (Amherst). Suzan-Lori Parks won the 2002 Pulitzer Prize
for Drama for Topdog/Underdog. She has also won two Obies (Vensus and Imperceptible
Mutabilities in the Third Kingdom), a MacArthur ‘Genius’ Award and a Pulitzer Prize
nomination for In the Blood (1999).
Jo Bonney’s credits include Small Engine Repair, (Lucille Lortel Theatre), The Mound
Builder; Emotional Creature (Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre), An Early History of Fire
(Arcon Theater), By the Way; Meet Vera Stark; Suburbia; A Soldier’s Play; Living Out
(Second Stage Theatre), The Break of Noon; Some Girl(s); Fat Pig (Music Box Theatre),
Beast; All That I Will Ever Be; The Seven (New York Theatre Workshop), References to
Salvador Dali Make Me Hot; House Arrest (Joseph Papp Public Theater), Wake Up and
Smell the Coffee (Jane Street Theatre), Look Back in Anger (East 13th Street/CSC Theatre),
Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll (Orpheum Theatre). She is the recipient of a 1998 Obie Award
and is the editor of Extreme Exposure: An Anthology of Solo Performance Texts from the
Twentieth Century.
Listings Information:
Father Comes Home From The Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3)
By Suzan-Lori Parks
Directed by Jo Bonney
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Thursday 15 September – Saturday 22 October 2016
Monday – Saturday 7.30pm
Thursday & Saturday matinees 2.30pm (from 24 September)
Captioned Performance 11 October 7.30pm
Audio Described 8 October 2.30pm (Touch Tour 1pm)
Press Night Thursday 22 September 7pm
Age Guidance 14+
Tickets £12, £16, £25, £35 (Mondays all seats £10 available from 9am online on the day of
performance)
Concessions* £5 off top two prices. 25s and under £12 (available in advance for previews
and all matinees)
Access £12 (plus a companion at the same rate)
*ID required. All discounts subject to availability.
LIFT at the Royal Court
June 2016
The Islands / Open for Everything / The Migrations Commissions
Throughout June 2016 the Royal Court Theatre will partner with LIFT as part of their biennial
international festival to present a series of works exploring real experiences which have been
developed in collaboration with international communities.
Lola Arias’ new work, The Islands, about the Falkland Islands / Islas Malvinas, is being
developed with and performed by Argentinian and British veterans of the conflict. In a
production that is political, playful and highly personal, Arias brings together soldiers who
fought on opposite sides, giving them an opportunity to share with us and each other their
first hand experiences on a battlefield 8000 miles from London. Merging film, re-enactment
and documentary theatre The Islands blurs the lines between truth and fiction to give a
fascinating insight into how and what people remember, and how war continues to cast a
long shadow over the lives of its protagonists.
Lola Arias took part in the Royal Court International Residency in 2003.
Lola Arias is a writer, director, actress and songwriter and a leading voice in Argentinian
theatre. Her productions play with the overlap between realist and fiction and have seen her
work with actors, non-actors, and animals.
This is a Royal Court / LIFT co-production with Brighton Festival and Künstlerhaus
Mousonturm.
Open For Everything, a production by Constanza Macras, DorkyPark and the GoetheInstitut, sees Macras bring together a large ensemble of Roma musicians and performers,
amateurs of different ages, and dancers from her company DorkyPark to explore the lives
and passions of the European Roma of today. Seizing upon, playing with, and depicting with
humour and electrifying energy the prejudices, clichés, misunderstandings, similarities,
traditions, discrimination, poverty and violence of life on the edges of Europe. Are these the
last true nomads of the 21st Century?
Constanza Macras studied dance at the Merce Cunningham Studio in New York and
founded her first dance company, Tamagotchi Y2K, in 1997. In 2003 she founded the dance
theatre company Constanza Macras | DorkyPark in collaboration with the dramaturg Carmen
Mehnert. In 2008, Constanza Macras’ production Hell On Earth was awarded the GoetheInstitut’s prize for the best German piece. In 2010 she received the Arts at MIT William L.
Abramowitz Residency at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the German theatre
prize Der Faust for Megalopolis.
The Migration Commissions is a series of newly commissioned works by international and
UK artists created in response to the refugee and migration crisis and performed in unlikely
spaces around the Royal Court Theatre building.
Dates and more details on all projects to be announced.
LIFT travels the world to bring global stories to London, presenting unique cultural
experiences and sharing the stories of the world with the culturally curious.
Told From The Inside: Syrian and Lebanese Workshop Presentations
7 - 12 March 9pm
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
International Playwrights: A Genesis Foundation Project
Over the last two years the Royal Court Theatre has been working in Lebanon with a group
of emerging Lebanese and Syrian writers. Royal Court International Director Elyse Dodgson
and playwrights David Greig and Sam Holcroft have led the work.
Three plays from this project have been chosen for a workshop presentation with a company
of actors.
Told From The Inside offers accounts of exile, displacement and survival as the plays give a
rare insight into the impact of a current conflict on daily life.
Full details to be announced.
International Playwrights: A Genesis Foundation Project. The workshops in Lebanon were
supported by the British Council.
Listings Information:
Told From The Inside: Syrian and Lebanese Workshop Presentations
7 - 12 March 9pm
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS
Monday – Saturday 9pm
Age Guidance 14+
Tickets £10
Young Court
Initiatives for, by and with young people
As part of the Royal Court’s inclusive programme of original activities for young people up to
age 21, Young Court launches the Royal Court Youth Board, Youth Theatre, The Young
People’s Script Panel, Open Court and returning for a third year – Primetime tours.
The Royal Court Youth Board is an opportunity for anyone aged 15-19 interested in
forming a career in theatre or developing a wider knowledge of how a theatre runs. The
Youth Board is made up of 15 Youth Heads of Departments. Over the course of a year, the
Youth Board will meet fortnightly, gaining an in-depth insight in to each department and work
together to programme and run events including the Royal Court Youth Festival.
In March 2016 the Royal Court Theatre will be piloting its Youth Theatre - a performance
project for young people aged 14 – 21. The Youth Theatre will work with the Youth Board
and professional creatives as part of Open Court.
The Young People’s Script Panel is a new opportunity for young people to read, explore
and critique the newest plays by the most current playwrights. Acting as a parallel panel to
the Royal Court Readers’ Panel, young script readers will take part in their own script
meetings to discuss new play submissions. In workshops led by Royal Court directors,
designers and the Literary Department, members of the panel will learn how to develop
plays for performance and will be encouraged to voice their reactions and opinions to help
shape our future work.
In summer 2016 Open Court returns and this time the young people have the keys.
Celebrating 60 Years New the reins of each department are being handed over to the future
of theatre - to imagine, curate and produce a summer festival of new work for and by young
people. The first Open Court in 2013 saw the playwrights being handed the Royal Court
Theatre keys. The festival included 133 performances and over 40 new plays. Writers aged
8-92 planned the programme of events which included Weekly Rep, Surprise Theatre and
launched The Big Idea.
Following two years of Primetime tours around central, east and west London schools, the
Royal Court Theatre will begin a third set of writing workshops with children aged 8 – 11 to
find the playwrights, and a new set of plays, for the 2016 tour around north and south
London schools.
Full details to be announced.
Young Court is the Royal Court’s inclusive programme of original activities for young people
up to age 21.Through participation projects, young people have the chance to learn from the
foremost artists and facilitators in current theatre practice, encouraging them to investigate
the craft of making theatre. Young people can experience unique learning exchanges across
all departments, opening up the world of the rehearsal room as well as backstage, offering a
fascinating insight into the professional process of staging Royal Court productions. Young
Court aims to encourage young people to discover their power to influence and change
theatre, giving them a platform to experiment, question and innovate, placing young people
at the centre and fostering a live dialogue in which their views and ideas are valued and can
inform the Royal Court’s work.
Royal Court: Pimlico and Tottenham
The Royal Court Theatre launches second year of their three-year residency project in
Tottenham and Pimlico.
2015 was spent developing partnerships and relationships with local artists, groups, schools
and organisations to hatch ideas, co-create work, host and develop workshops and present
shows.
In Pimlico the Royal Court had over 40 meetings with individuals, community groups and
government schemes. In Tottenham 89 meetings with local people and organisations were
held, culminating in a festival of events throughout August.
In 2016 the Royal Court will be building upon those relationships already established and
focusing on working with the community to help them develop the skills with which to start
creating their own work.
Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Royal Court on Screen
In partnership with Picturehouse Cinemas
Throughout 2016
The Royal Court Theatre are to partner with Picturehouse Cinemas to bring a season of gala
screenings to their Picturehouse Central in Piccadilly in celebration of Royal Court
productions which have gone from stage to screen.
Tickets will include a drink on arrival and a series of post screening events including panel
discussions, Q&As and interviews with writers, directors and actors from the films and
original stage productions.
More details to be announced.
Other Projects
Future plans for the year include an autumn tour in partnership with HOUSE and a public
call-out for the Royal Court to commission 60 artists of the future - more news to follow.
As Previously Announced
Following a sell-out run at the Royal Court Theatre, producers Robert Fox, Matthew Byam
Shaw for Playful Productions and Royal Court Theatre Productions are to transfer the
Royal Court production of Martin McDonagh’s Hangmen to the West End for a strictly limited
season. Directed by Matthew Dunster. Previewing from 1 December, the production will have
a press night on 7 December at Wyndham’s Theatre. Tickets for the run are on sale from
£19.50 and bookable from the Royal Court’s website www.royalcourttheatre.com
-ENDSFor more information or images please contact Anoushka Hay on 0207 565 5063 /
AnoushkaHay@royalcourttheatre.com
Notes to Editors:
Press Nights:
Monday 25 January, 7pm
Thursday 28 January,
7pm
Thursday 3 March, 7pm
Tuesday 5 April, 7pm
Thursday 7 April, 7pm
Monday 23 May, 7pm
Yen by Anna Jordan
Escaped Alone by Caryl Churchill
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
I See You by Mongiwekhaya
X by Alistair McDowall
Cyprus Avenue by David Ireland
Human Animals by Stef Smith
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Friday 27 May 7pm
Cuttin It by Charlene James
Friday 8 July, 7pm
Tuesday 13 September,
7pm
Thursday 22 September,
7pm
Unreachable by Anthony Neilson
Torn by Nathanial Martello-White
Father Comes Home From The Wars
(Parts 1, 2 & 3) by Suzan-Lori Parks
Young Vic via
CharlotteBayley@youngvic.org
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Images: For the title artwork images click here.
The Big Idea is a strand of work launched during Open Court, offering audiences radical
thinking and provocative discussion inspired by the work on stage. The Big Idea seeks to
foster debate and collaboration, bringing together leading thinkers and artists from all walks of
life to engage with the big ideas of our times, through a series of debates and events.
AlixPartners support The Big Idea at the Royal Court Theatre.
Coutts is the Royal Court Theatre Innovation Partner.
Coutts is the wealth division of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Coutts has a long history
of supporting the arts going back 200 years, having looked after the financial affairs of many
famous clients connected with the arts such as Bram Stoker, Charles Dickens and Chopin. In
1816, Thomas Coutts married Harriot Mellon, a popular actress of her day, and together they
became partners of a number of London Theatres, including the Drury Lane and the Royal
Opera House. Coutts has even featured in a number of artistic works including The Gondoliers
by Gilbert and Sullivan, and Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. In
the new millennium, this tradition has continued not only through Coutts managing the
finances of many of today’s top writers, actors and musicians, but also through our arts
sponsorship programme. We are delighted to support The Royal Court and its diverse range
of ground-breaking performances. For further information please visit coutts.com
The Genesis Foundation, established by John Studzinski in 2001, plays an active role in
nurturing and developing the careers of outstanding young artists in the fields of music, theatre
and the visual arts.
Based in London, the Foundation works in partnership with the leaders of prestigious,
progressive arts organisations such as the Royal Court, The Sixteen, Welsh National Opera
and the Young Vic, funding programmes that support young directors, playwrights and
musicians in the early stages of their professional lives. In addition, the Foundation awards
scholarships to outstanding students at LAMDA and commissions new works that have ranged
from choral compositions to an online art game.
In July 2015 the Genesis Foundation announced its funding of a new programme at New
York’s Signature Theatre: Residency Five will guarantee nine playwrights three new
productions over the course of a five-year residency.
With thanks to the Garfield Weston Foundation and all the generous trust supporters who
make Young Court possible.
Primetime is supported by John Lyon’s Charity, The Mercers’ Company, The Haberdashers’
Company, Ernest Cook Trust, John Thaw Foundation, Royal Victoria Hall Foundation and
The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust
Beyond The Court: Pimlico and Tottenham is supported by
Edwardian Group London is the Royal Court’s Official Hotel Partner for 2016.
Cyprus Avenue is supported by Cockayne Grants for the Arts, a donor advised fund
of London Community Foundation
Birmingham Repertory Theatre is one of Britain’s leading producing theatres. Founded in
1913 by Sir Barry Jackson, Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company rapidly became one of
the most famous and exciting theatre companies in the country launching the careers of an
array of many great British actors including Laurence Olivier, Ralph Richardson, Edith Evans,
Paul Scofield, Derek Jacobi, Elizabeth Spriggs, Albert Finney and many more. In 2013 the
company celebrated its centenary.
The REP’s aim is to inspire a lifelong love of theatre in the diverse communities of Birmingham
and beyond. As well as presenting over 60 productions on its three stages every year, the
theatre tours its productions nationally and internationally, showcasing theatre made in
Birmingham. The commissioning and production of new work lies at the core of The REP’s
programme and over the last 15 years the company has produced more than 130 new plays.
The theatre’s outreach programme is the best of any cultural organisation in the city and
engages over 25,000 young people every year. The REP is also committed to nurturing new
talent through its youth theatre groups and training for up and coming writers, directors and
artists.
www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
LIFT travels the world to bring global stories to London, transforming this city to stage,
presenting unique cultural experiences and sharing the stories of the world with the culturally
curious.
Established in 1981 with a mission to throw open a window to the world, LIFT brings global
stories to London, transforming the city into a stage and celebrating the experiences of the
many individuals, cultures and communities that call London their home. LIFT has presented
pioneering new forms of theatre for over 30 years and has set the benchmark for
internationalism in the arts. LIFT curates a year-round programme of work - building to a panLondon festival of shows, special events and talks every two years. LIFT 2014 was the most
ambitious festival in its significant history: a festival of international performance drawing
together over 38,000 audience members across the breadth of London – from the Royal
Academy, to the canals of Deptford, to attics in Battersea. LIFT’s next festival will take place
in June 2016.
LIFT has risen to become a key cultural player in the British arts scene, telling the stories of
our times and going to places no-one else would consider – geographically and artistically –
to present unforgettable experiences that change the way we think and what others are
inspired to do.
The Islands and The Migration Commissions are House on Fire projects, supported by the
Culture Programme of the European Union.
Formed in 1989 to challenge the multiplex model, Picturehouse Cinemas own and operate
22 cinemas and programme a further 42 venues across the UK.
Picturehouse Cinemas are located in city centres and are architecturally unique venues that
provide café bars, restaurants and live events alongside the traditional movie-going
experience. Their programmes encompass quality mainstream, family, art-house,
independent, foreign-language and documentary films.
Picturehouse Entertainment is the distribution arm of Picturehouse Cinemas, the owner and
operator of 22 Picturehouse Cinemas and programming agent for a further 42 venues across
the UK. Picturehouse Cinemas were the winner of Exhibitor of the Year (50 Screens of Under)
at the 2013 Screen Marketing and Distribution Awards.
Since its launch in 2010, Picturehouse Entertainment has distributed an eclectic range of
theatrical releases, including BAFTA winner The Imposter, Shane Meadows’ The Stone
Roses: Made Of Stone, Ben Wheatley’s simultaneous multi-platform release A Field In
England, Jeremy Saulnier’s Blue Ruin, the award-winning docudrama 20,000 Days On Earth
featuring Nick Cave, Sundance Audience Award winner Dark Horse: The Incredible True Story
Of Dream Alliance, The Connection starring Jean Dujardin, and Yorgos Lanthimos’ Cannes
Jury Prize-winning The Lobster.
Picturehouse Entertainment also distributes high-profile alternative content to cinemas
throughout the UK and internationally, such as hit productions from the Royal Shakespeare
Company, the Bolshoi Ballet and the National Theatre; David Bowie is happening now
transmitted from the V&A’s sell-out exhibition; Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary episode
screened in cinemas; and Monty Python Live (mostly), beamed from the O2 to more than 570
cinemas in the UK and 2,000 worldwide. In April 2015 they announced the acquisition of the
global rights to Roger Waters The Wall, a groundbreaking 4k Dolby Atmos capture of the
highest-grossing tour by a solo artist of all time. Picturehouse Entertainment will be releasing
Roger Waters The Wall on 29 September 2015. https://www.picturehouses.com/
The Royal Exchange Theatre is a leading producing theatre situated in the heart of
Manchester. Its ambitious programme is inspired by the world’s greatest stories: stories that
have the power to change the way we see the world. That means taking artistic risks, working
as part of exciting partnerships, championing new talent and seeking out bold collaborations.
A record number of people experienced their work in the last year, and they continue to
broaden their output on and offstage, to speak to the most diverse audiences in Manchester
and beyond.
The Royal Exchange is committed to supporting and developing new writing, and together
with the property company Bruntwood they run The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting - the UK’s
biggest playwriting competition. Anna Jordan’s YEN was the 2013 prize winner and 2015 sees
the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting celebrate its 10th Anniversary year. Future Royal
Exchange Theatre collaborations include a partnership with the National Theatre, with a coproduction of The Orange Tree Theatre’s POMONA by Alistair McDowall, as well as
HUSBANDS AND SONS adapted by Ben Power, and a co-production of KING LEAR with
Talawa Theatre in 2016.
The Schaubühne was founded in 1962. Since 1999 it has been led by artistic director Thomas
Ostermeier. The foundation of his tenure was laid in the formation of a new ensemble of
permanently employed actors, who essentially have been working together ever since,
regularly extended by new appointments. The Schaubühne premieres a minimum of ten
shows per season alongside a repertoire of over 30 existing productions. One of the theatre’s
distinctive features is a stylistic variety in approaches to directing, which includes new forms
of dance and musical theatre. The repertoire encompasses the great dramatic works of world
literature and contemporary plays from internationally renowned writers. Alongside directors
from Berlin such as Thomas Ostermeier, Michael Thalheimer, Armin Petras, Patrick
Wengenroth, Falk Richter and Marius von Mayenburg the theatre frequently offers a platform
in Berlin to notable directors from abroad. Currently productions by Romeo Castellucci, Katie
Mitchell, Rodrigo García, Yael Ronen and choreographer Constanza Macras are being shown
at the theatre. At the same time, the Schaubühne showcases its productions abroad in over
100 performances every year: whether at big international festivals or at theatres around the
world including in New York, Paris, Rome, São Paulo, London, Moscow, Oslo, Ramallah,
Melbourne, Taipei, Tel Aviv, Seoul, Barcelona, Tokyo, Prague, Sydney, Montreal and Beijing.
Sheffield Theatres is the largest producing theatre complex outside of London. Over the last
four years it has won 8 UK Theatre Awards including Best Musical Production (This Is My
Family), Best New Play (Bull) and Best Touring Production (The Full Monty) in 2013. Its track
record for creating ambitious and exciting work on its three stages was recognised in 2013
and 2014 when Sheffield Theatres won the Regional Theatre of the Year Award for an
unprecedented two consecutive years in the Stage Awards.
Across its three theatres: the Crucible, the Lyceum and the Studio, the company produces
and presents a diverse programme of work including the best of drama, dance, comedy,
musicals, opera, ballet and children’s theatre. Sheffield Theatres has attracted widespread
national and international acclaim for its productions. Following a £15m refurbishment in 2010,
the Crucible re-opened with a revival of An Enemy of the People starring Sir Antony Sher.
Since then, Sheffield Theatres has gone on to produce six of Shakespeare’s greatest plays:
Hamlet, Othello, Macbeth and The Winter’s Tale, Twelfth Night and Romeo & Juliet; four
writer’s seasons – celebrating the work of Sir David Hare (2011), Michael Frayn (2012) Brian
Friel (2014) and Sarah Kane, and major musical productions of Me & My Girl, Company, My
Fair Lady, Lionel Bart’s Oliver! and Anything Goes. Its production of The Full Monty enjoyed
a three week, sell-out run at the Lyceum in 2013 before touring the UK and then transferring
into the West End. Sheffield Theatres also enjoyed international success at the beginning of
2013 when it transferred its production of Mike Bartlett’s Bull to the 59E59 Theaters in New
York as part of the Brits Off-Broadway Festival.
www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
The Abbey Theatre was founded as Ireland’s national theatre, by W.B. Yeats and Lady
Gregory in 1904 “to bring upon the stage the deeper emotions of Ireland”. Although written
more than a hundred years ago, this is still the kernel of what constitutes the artistic imperative
for the Abbey Theatre today. The Abbey produces an annual programme of diverse, engaging,
innovative Irish and international theatre and invests in and promotes new Irish writers and
artists. They do this by placing the writer and theatre-maker at the heart of all they do,
commissioning and producing exciting new work and creating discourse and debate on the
political, cultural and social issues of the day. Abbey Theatre’s aim is to present great theatre
art in a national context so that the stories told on stage have a resonance with artists and
audiences alike.
Over the years, the Abbey Theatre has nurtured and premiered the work of major playwrights
such as J.M. Synge and Sean O’Casey as well as contemporary classics from the likes of
Sebastian Barry, Marina Carr, Bernard Farrell, Brian Friel, Frank McGuinness, Thomas Kilroy,
Tom Mac Intyre, Tom Murphy, Mark O’Rowe, Billy Roche and Sam Shepard. The Abbey
Theatre continues to support new Irish writing through their commissioning process and
their New Playwrights Programme.
The Abbey Theatre’s mission is to create a world-class theatre that actively engages with and
reflects Irish society. http://www.abbeytheatre.ie/
Based in Johannesburg’s vibrant Newtown Precinct, The Market Theatre was established in
1976 to operate as an independent, non-racial playhouse during the country’s apartheid
regime. The theatre is renowned world-wide for brilliant anti-apartheid productions as well as
the premieres of many of Athol Fugard’s award-winning dramas. The Market Theatre’s history
is intertwined with the cultural, social and political struggle for freedom in South Africa. The
Market Theatre has a legacy for riveting storytelling and creating dialogue and thus has
launched many initiatives that have supported and showcased many outstanding theatre
productions. For more information please visit www.markettheatre.co.za
The Yard Theatre, recently voted 2nd Best Theatre in London by Time Out, is a space to
explore new ideas, to nurture new talent and to share new experiences. Built using recycled
and reclaimed materials, The Yard sits within a converted warehouse in East London's
Hackney Wick. The Yard has quickly earned a reputation for programming and developing
risk-taking work by new artists. Work that has been discovered and developed at The Yard
includes Michaela Coel’s Chewing Gum Dreams, which toured internationally, including to
the National Theatre’s Temporary Theatre, and has now been made in to an E4 television
series. The Yard’s production of Alexander Zeldin’s Beyond Caring was named as one of
The Telegraph’s top five plays of the year in December 2014 and transferred to the National
Theatre in April 2015.
Alongside the theatre, The Yard bar hosts acclaimed music events, welcomes food
residencies from a diverse mix of chefs, and stocks local brews and drinks.
The Yard Theatre is generously supported by Foundation for FutureLondon, Arts Council
England, London Legacy Development Corporation, Jerwood Charitable Foundation and
Foyle Foundation.
The Young Vic produces classics, new plays, forgotten works, musicals and opera, and
tours widely in the UK and internationally. It has deep roots in its neighbourhood and
extensive co-producing relationships with leading theatres all over the world.
Recent productions include The Trial directed by Richard Jones, The Valley of
Astonishment directed by Peter Brook, The Scottsboro Boys directed by Susan Stroman,
1927’s Golem directed by Suzanne Andrade, A Streetcar Named Desire directed by
Benedict Andrews (soon to be seen at St. Ann’s Warehouse, New York), and the multi
award-winning A View from the Bridge directed by Ivo van Hove (which begins previews on
Broadway on 21 October 2015).
The Young Vic’s associate companies are BirdGang Dance Company, Belarus Free
Theatre, Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme and 1927.
Artistic Director: David Lan
Executive Director: Lucy Woollatt
www.youngvic.org