PRESS RELEASE
THEATRE SEASON AUTUMN 2000 AT THE DUKES
The Dukes are proud to announce their Autumn season, which offers a diverse programme to the people of Lancaster, Morecambe and the surrounding area.
Dukes’ Artistic Director, Ian Hastings, said "What I find most pleasing about the forthcoming Autumn season is that there is no theme. Each piece could not be more different. First, The Glass Menagerie, an American classic, second The Lodger, a gothic love story which has had only one previous production, and for Christmas, magical Russian folklore stories woven into an enchanting family treat, The Firebird. Oh sorry I have found a connection, they will of course be extremely high quality Dukes productions".
The Glass Menagerie production photos
By Tennessee Williams
Thursday 5th Saturday 28th October 2000
The Glass Menagerie opens the season and Ian has many reasons for choosing this play: "A truly great modern classic by one of the finest writers of our time. If I am asked to define ‘theatre’ I often quote the opening lines of this play - "Yes, I have tricks in my pocket, I have things up my sleeve. But I am the opposite of a stage magician. He gives you illusion that has the appearance of truth. I give you truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion". It is often described as poetic, melancholy, sentimental, lyrical all of which is true, but Williams has great wit and humour in his armoury. The play is memory, an autobiographical piece. "In memory everything seems to happen to music. That explains the fiddle in the wings". I am not alone in my admiration for this work: it has been filmed two or three times, but its true home is the live theatre. It is memory we believe it will be memorable".
The Lodger
Adapted by Patrick Prior from the novel by Marie Belloc Lowndes
Thursday 2nd Saturday 25th November 2000
This play manages to successfully combine love and horror to create a real thriller. The Lodger draws the audience into a dark and gas-lit world of death, sex and madness. This amazing story was inspired by a chance remark overheard at a dinner table about a respectable couple who kept lodgers and were later to claim that Jack the Ripper had been one of their guests. It is one of the most compelling and intriguing stories of the twentieth century, telling of the destruction of a marriage and of the beginning of a terrifying obsession. Ian Hastings feels that The Lodger will offer something completely different to the first production but will be an equally enjoyable - albeit frightening - evening out!
The Firebird
Written by Neil Duffield
Based on traditional Russian fairy-tales
Thursday 30th November 2000 Saturday 6th January 2001
The Firebird is a magical and enchanting Christmas show that draws together the threads of three traditional Russian fairy-tales and weaves them into one bewitching and fantastical story.
The Firebird begins in a garden with leaves of silver and flowers like jewels. Standing in the middle is an apple tree bearing apples that are made of gold. This marvellous garden belongs to the Tsar Sultan who wants to know why the apples have been going missing. The Tsar asks his son, Ivan, to find out who has been taking them. Ivan watches and waits all night to catch the culprit. Then, out of the night sky like a dazzling comet, appears the fabulous Firebird.
The story includes a jealous sister, a friendly wolf, a beautiful princess and the infamous and terrifying witch Baba Yaga. Last year, Dukes audiences were enthralled by The Ugly Duckling which was adapted by Neil Duffield and directed by Eileen Murphy, the same team who will bring you The Firebird. Recommended for children of all ages and adults.
For more information or to book tickets please call the Dukes Box Office, Monday Saturday 10am 8pm.
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