The New Vic marks its 40th anniversary with a bold autumn programme including a radical Shakespeare reimagining, a new play by Oscar winner Rachel Shenton and the revival of a much‑loved Christmas favourite.
The New Vic Theatre will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a bold autumn programme including a radical reimagining of Romeo and Juliet, a stage premiere from Oscar winner Rachel Shenton and the return of a treasured festive favourite.
The theatre’s in-the-round space will host three major productions spanning Shakespeare, new writing and family entertainment.
This September sees a striking new version of Romeo and Juliet, produced in collaboration with acclaimed theatre company Not Too Tame. Russell Kane will make his first stage appearance as Romeo in this reinterpretation that imagines the lovers meeting later in life. Directed by Not Too Tame Artistic Director Jimmy Fairhurst, the production promises an electrifying perspective on Shakespeare’s tragedy.
Later in the season, Gladstone Girls will receive its stage premiere. Written by Academy Award winner Rachel Shenton and co-produced with Slick Films, the play explores the camaraderie and resilience of Stoke-on-Trent’s pottery workers as they fight to preserve their beloved Curl Friday tradition.
Rounding off the year, Artistic Director Theresa Heskins will revive her celebrated adaptation of The Borrowers. Returning as part of the New Vic’s 40th anniversary celebrations, the family favourite brings magical storytelling, original music and adventurous spirit back to the stage.
New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins said: “I’m delighted that in our 40th anniversary year, we’re announcing a programme that will showcase our core values – that everyone should have access to great theatre; that local talent should be prized and nurtured; that young people’s first experiences of theatre should inspire them with a lifetime’s love for it.
“We’ll be collaborating with Not Too Tame for the first time as we stage Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Our philosophy that theatre should be for everyone perfectly aligns with Not Too Tame’s ethos and will deliver an unapologetically bold reinterpretation of this classic play.
“Ever since hearing about its success at New York’s Tribeca Festival we’ve been working with the tremendously talented local writer and Academy Award winner Rachel Shenton to develop her podcast Gladstone Girls into a stage play. We take a lot of pride in delivering productions that carry local significance, so to bring this new play based on the unshakeable community spirit of the pottery industry to the stage for the first time is a real honour.
“We are also delighted to announce the return of one of our most beloved shows, The Borrowers, this Christmas to conclude our 40th anniversary year programme with a celebration of the work we create for families and young children.”
Director of Romeo and Juliet Jimmy Fairhurst said: “Romeo and Juliet is our third Shakespeare adaptation and it’ll be the one that packs the biggest punch. I’m incredibly excited to be making this show with the New Vic in their exquisite theatrical coliseum. I’m also thrilled to be working with a performer of Russell Kane’s calibre and dedication as we unleash him into the world of theatre as you’ve never seen him before. In early R and D we discovered that ageing the families up unlocks something powerful and painfully familiar for modern audiences. The audience will be heavily involved in this production. I guarantee it will be as funny as it is heartbreaking. Buckle up!”
Writer Rachel Shenton said: “I’m beyond excited to bring Gladstone Girls to the New Vic stage. The play is based on a true story, it’s good fun and is very close to my heart. To have it come to life, in my home town, in-the-round at a theatre that’s known for producing bold, fresh work – is a dream come true.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
