The Watsons by Laura Wade (Adapted from the unfinished novel by Jane Austen)
27th April – 4th May
Ever wondered what would happen when characters are left to write their own destiny? Emma and her sisters must marry – and fast. With plenty of suitors and the looming fear of poverty, will the sisters manage to forge their own happy ending?
An Amateur premiere at GWT, Jane Austen’s unfinished early novel is brought stunningly back to life as Laura Wade dips beneath the surface to imagine what might have happened. The result is a clever, playful, wickedly funny, highly acclaimed stage adaptation. The dialogue sparkles, the costumes delight and as the plot develops, unexpected twists and turns keep us guessing what the final outcome ‘might or might not be’. A fun-filled night out at the theatre!
“Wade has seized on the tension between authorial control and imaginative freedom to create a stunning play” The Guardian*****
“You’re just jealous because I get to go to Brighton!”
“Is ‘going to Brighton’ a euphemism?”
Warnings: Use of smoke and haze.
Approximate running time: 2 hours 20 minutes including interval.
140mins
Two by Jim Cartwright and
The Rose & Crown by J.B. Priestley
25th May – 1st June
Welcome to an evening of two short plays…
1989. A traditional northern pub. In Jim Cartwright’s dark comedy, Two, the staff greet you with a smile, no matter who you are. Or, what you’ve been through. Pull up a stool and watch two multi-talented actors bring the landlord, landlady and their customers to life. It will make you laugh – and cry – in equal measure.
Then, join us at a dingy London pub in 1946; The Rose and Crown. J.B. Priestley’s classic ghost story finds the locals bemoaning their lot in life. But, when a mysterious stranger makes them an offer, you soon see their true colours. Who is the stranger? What is his proposal? Come and find out.
“What’s your poison?”
Approximate running time: 1 hour 45 minutes including interval.
105mins
Nell Gwynn by Jessica Swayle
22nd June – 29th June
Nell Gwynn premiered at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2015, before transferring to the West End and winning the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2016.
It is a ‘bawdy’ comedy (think Shakespeare/Upstart Crow/Blackadder), telling the tale of our heroine’s rise from selling oranges on the sleazy streets of London to becoming the mistress of the King of England. At the heart of this unlikely rags to riches story, is a trip to the theatre, the very best place for a king to relax and get away from the tedious worries of politics and monarchy.
With music, singing, dancing and humour galore, Jessica Swale’s Nell Gwynn is the perfect end to the GWT 23/24 season.
“Superbly funny…a juicy, well-wrought thing of great fun, a wonderfully layered celebration of theatre, but most of all an apt homage to a woman incredibly ahead of her time.” Time Out
“They’ve disgraced our trade. Ruined our art. They’ve put a woman on the stage.”
Warnings: Play contains bawdy language and innuendo, in keeping with the 1670s!
Approximate running time: 2 hours and 15 minutes, including interval.
135mins