Production photographs : Press Release : Review
(download as pdf file)
The Dukes present The Snow Queen By Hans Christian Andersen, Friday 26 November – Saturday 8 January
Adapted by Mike Kenny
Directed by Joe Sumsion
Designed by Alison Heffernan
Music by Mark Melville
Lighting by Brent Lees
Visual projection by Jason Threlfall
The Snow Queen will find herself quite at home when spending Christmas in Lancaster – among the coldest places on earth.
The fairytale monarch will be in residence at The Dukes from November 26-January 8, just a sleigh ride away from Lancaster University whose physics department has an international reputation for creating the world’s coldest temperatures.
Those wishing to thaw out are guaranteed a warm welcome at The Dukes magical Christmas show.
Spectacular projections, stunning puppets and fantastic performances will combine with all the sparkle of a Christmas extravaganza.
Director at The Dukes, Joe Sumsion, a father-of-three, is looking forward to directing his first Christmas production at The Dukes.
He said: “ I view it as an incredible honour. My ambition is to make the best Christmas show that anyone has seen and that children will remember for years.
“We know that about 10,000 people will be coming here for their Christmas treat and this gives us an opportunity to produce an excellent show full of escapism and fun.”
As a five-year-old, Joe saw his first Christmas show – Beauty and the Beast – at The Dukes, an experience he remembers to this day.
The Dukes version of The Snow Queen will be a visual treat to appeal across the generations.
Visual projection will play a major role in this modern telling of the traditional tale, taking full advantage of The Dukes housing both theatre spaces and a cinema.
Creating the visual projections designed to be the show’s ‘wow factor’ is Lancaster-based Jason Threlfall who was nurtured by The Dukes and now runs his own successful business.
The Snow Queen tells the seasonal tale of best friends Kai and Gerda who are transported to an exciting new world ruled by the wicked Snow Queen. When Kai falls under her spell, Gerda sets out on an adventure to rescue him, meeting many new friends along the way.
Ends
26/10/10
Editor’s notes
A Snow Queen image is attached. Advance photographs will be available on request.
Joe Sumsion will be available for interview. The Snow Queen is the first Christmas production he has directed for The Dukes, a theatre he has steered to success after it received a 50% Arts Council funding cut in 2008.
Jason Threlfall from Lancaster, creator of visual projection for the show, is also available for interview.
Interviews with cast members can be arranged. Among the actors is Rachel Drazek(Gerda) who was born in Leyland, brought up in Preston, and did work experience at The Dukes while a student. Also in the cast is former Lancaster University theatre student, James Wooldridge, who plays Kai.
There’s a distinct Cumbrian element to this production as the director, Joe Sumsion, was brought up in Kendal and the town is also home to Mark Melville who has composed the music.
Press night: Friday 26 November, 7pm
Director: Joe Sumsion
Designer: Alison Heffernan
Music: Mark Melville
Lighting: Brent Lees
Sound: TBC
Cast: Shelley Atkinson, Oliver Birch, Joanna Croll, Rachel Drazek, James Wooldridge.
Dates: Friday 26 November – Saturday 8 January.
Tickets: £5-14.
Box Office: 01524 598500 www.dukes-lancaster.org