A Winter’s Tale
Professional World Premiere
by Howard Goodall, Nick Stimson, Andrew Keates and William Shakespeare
Landor Theatre
7 Nov – 1 Dec 2012
“The same sun shines on us all”
A Winter’s Tale is inspired by The Winter’s Tale, although not a direct adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s last and most experimental plays, it explores two very different lands that one day must conquer their differences through the universal themes of love, understanding and truth. This world premiere features a powerful and evocative new score and lyrics from Howard Goodall (Love Story, Girlfriends, The Hired Man), with a clever, deeply touching and often humorous book by Nick Stimson (NHS The Musical, Who Ate All The Pies, Korczak) and Andrew Keates, who has developed and will be directing this brand new show.
The show tells the epic story in the intimate environment of the Landor Theatre, where for the past few years this small theatre has garnered a reputation for undertaking these kinds of challenges better than any other. Anyone will understand this chilly tale who has ever been jealous, fallen in love or simply wanted to undo a mistake. For the first time ever the story of The Winter’s Tale will be told simply through musical theatre for a modern audience. Inspired by Britain’s greatest writer and coupled with one of our greatest composers; It is almost certainly set to be the most eagerly anticipated piece of new British musical theatre in London this year.
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Pete Gallagher, Alastair Brookshaw, Helen Power, Helena Blackman, Christopher Blades, Ross Barnes, David Brewis, Catherine Mort, Fra Fee, Abigail Matthews, Gareth James Healey, Denis Delahunt, Ciaran Joyce, Matthew Ronchetti, Lauren McGloan, Rachael-Louise Miller, Raymond Walsh, Joe McCourt.
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Directed by Andrew Keates
Musical Director & Supervisor: George Dyer
Musical Staging: Cressida Carré Designer: Martin Thomas
Costume Designer: Philippa Batt
Lighting Designer: Howard Hudson
Sound Designer: Sarah Weltman Stage Manager: Will Mauchline
Photography by Scott Rylander
WINNER BEST NEW MUSICAL in the OffWestEnd Awards 2012
“The musical – and Andrew Keates’ elegantly focused staging of it – cast a warm glow over a chilly play”
Mark Shenton, The Stage
“The performances are universally excellent”
“a beautiful production, bursting with great songs and pitch perfect performances.”
★★★★★ Greg Jameson, Entertainment Focus
“Gorgeous. Five stars (bordering on five and a half). Don’t miss this one. Whatever you do, get over to the Landor Theatre and watch this phenomenal new production.”
★★★★★ Fiona Lister, Mellow Day London
“A Winter’s Tale is such a relief in a year (so far) of poor new musical theatre”
★★★★ Michael Coveney, Whatsonstage
“A perfect winter’s tale to brighten up a winter’s evening!”
★★★★ Steve Subbs, BackstagePass.biz
“Andrew Keates has attracted a cast and creative team of the highest standard to deliver this professional world premiere. It’s impressive on the eye, symphonic on the ear and proves that Goodall remains one of Britain’s leading composers.”
★★★★ Jonathan Baz, The Public Reviews
“Developed and directed by the creative force that is Andrew Keates”
★★★★ Petra Schofield, Remotegoat
“A must-hear for fans of Goodall’s musical theatre”
Lucy Thackray, Broadway World
“Andrew Keates’ assured direction brings quivering to the electric yet understated action on stage”
★★★★ Melissa Rynn, StageWon
“The last time I reviewed a production where Keates directed Goodall—The Hired Man—I said “Now is the time to get to the Landor” and I think the same thing now, bringing performances full of conviction in this must–see production.”
Sandra Giorgetti, British Theatre Guide
