Rehearsal images have been released for Allegra, a new comedy by Tony Award and two-time Olivier Award-nominated playwright Peter Quilter.
The production opens at Brighton’s Theatre Royal on Tuesday 12 May before touring the UK ahead of a planned West End run.
The cast is led by Dame Maureen Lipman DBE in the title role, joined by John Middleton, Elizabeth Bower and Bailey Patrick.
Opening during the week Lipman celebrates her 80th birthday, the production marks her first major UK theatre tour in 20 years following her acclaimed West End performance in Rose in 2023.
Allegra reunites Lipman with director and choreographer Stephen Mear, 28 years after they worked together on the National Theatre’s production of Oklahoma!.
A joyful and heartwarming comedy, the play features spectacular song and dance sequences while also offering a moving exploration of how even the most beautiful of minds can begin to fade.
Allegra is filled with so much joy that she frequently bursts into song, whether at home, in the street or in public places.
Sometimes the music exists only in her imagination, but at other moments it erupts into loud performances that cause chaos in the village where she lives.
Her brother Ronen and her carer Anna attempt to contain her eccentricities and avoid conflict with the local policeman, while trying not to extinguish the happiness that defines her spirit.
The creative team includes set and costume designer Justin Williams and casting director Rob Kelly, with producers Thomas Hopkins Productions and SAMS Entertainment.
Following its Brighton opening, Allegra will tour to High Wycombe, Aberdeen, Malvern, London, Windsor, Glasgow and Bath, with a national press night on Monday 8 June at Richmond Theatre.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.Â
