There is an exciting line-up at the Merlin Theatre in June.
First up on Saturday 10 June – 7.45pm, is ‘Soho Cinders’, the Merlin Theatre Productions 24 Hour Challenge!
Written by Stiles and Drewe in collaboration with Elliot Davis, Soho Cinders is a hilarious, satirical take on the classic tale of Cinderella.
When impoverished student Robbie becomes romantically involved with engaged Mayoral candidate James Prince, his gruesome stepsisters become the least of his problems! James and Robbie’s worlds collide forcing them to fight for their own fairy-tale ending.
MTP24 aims to raise much needed funds for the Merlin Theatre by challenging cast members to learn their lines independently before spending a gruelling 24 hours learning dances, singing together for the first time and going through their stage directions for the whole show before taking to the stage to perform a magical one-night-only performance – a massive accomplishment that takes stamina, commitment and an unquestionable passion.
All tickets £10.50 Recommended 16+. See full story on page 4.
Sunday 11th June, 3.00pm; National Theatre live film theatre screening of Peter Pan by JM Barrie.
Why should performances of Peter Pan be confined to Christmas when it’s a tropical island tale set in the endless summer of childhood? Captured live at the National Theatre, a recorded performance of JM Barrie’s much-loved tale comes to the Merlin this summer.
When Peter Pan, leader of the Lost Boys, loses his shadow, headstrong Wendy helps him to reattach it. In return, she is invited to Neverland, where Tinker Bell the fairy, Tiger Lily and the vengeful Captain Hook await. A riot of magic, music and make-believe ensues.
A delight for children and adults alike, Sally Cookson (NT Live: Jane Eyre) directs this wondrously inventive production, a co-production with Bristol Old Vic theatre. Adults £16, concession £10.50. Suitable for all the family,
Tuesday 13th June, 6.00pm; Glyndebourne 2017 presents La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi (filmed theatre screening captured live in 2014).
Experience the magic of a Glyndebourne opera from a seat in the Merlin. Violetta gives up every hope of happiness in this heart-wrenching love story. With its world-famous arias, La traviata is the perfect introduction to Glyndebourne.
Alfredo, a young man from the provinces, falls in love with Violetta, the stylish toast of Paris. But she’s not the marrying kind – at least not until now. However, their dreams are threatened by both a merciless society that condemns Violetta’s racy past and an equally merciless disease.
There’s rarely a dry eye in the house when this poignant tale unfolds through Verdi’s robust, tuneful, full-hearted and full-throated score, laced through with melodies as familiar as the story. Russian soprano Venera Gimadieva portrays the iconic role of Violetta, alongside American tenor Michael Fabiano as Alfredo. The visual beauty of Tom Cairns’s opulent production aptly echoes the irresistible allure of this beloved opera. £16, concessions £10.50
Friday 16th June, 7.45pm; Brighton Beam productions presents My Friend Lester.
Billie Holiday and saxophonist Lester Young recorded such achingly beautiful music together it was impossible for many to believe that they were not lovers… or were they?
This magical and moving play explores their enigmatic relationship through some of their own words and the stunning songs they chose to record together. We follow their journey through jazz from the moment they first met until their untimely deaths. Friends? Soulmates? Lovers? The answer is in their music…
Written by Maria McAteer and directed by Karen Spicer, this is a unique piece of theatre where the songs and music become part of the dialogue between the characters. Maria McAteer plays Billie Holliday and Bjorn Dahlberg plays Lester Young. Recommended age 12. Tickets £15.50, concessions £13.50