The Royal Court has announced its autumn/winter 2008 season. While
making the announcement, artistic director Dominic Dromgoole also said
that, in his first full season at the theatre, audiences had reached
91% capacity and there had been a 311% increase in the number of under-18s
seeing its productions.
03 September - 18 October
Theatre Downstairs
Now or Later
By Christopher Shinn
Director Dominic Cooke; designer Hildegard Bechtler
Cast includes Domhnall Gleeson, Adam James, Eddie Redmayne
Election night in the US, and things are looking rosy for the Democratic
Party. Holed up in a hotel watching the results flood in are the likely
President-elect, his wife, advisors and 20 year old son John Jnr.
Every speech, interview and photocall has been carefully controlled
and meticulously orchestrated, all leading up to this big night.
At the same time controversial photos of John Jnr are gathering momentum
on the internet. Whilst his father's advisors work against the clock
on damage limitation, it's up to father and son to try and reach an
agreement.
18 September - 11 October
Theatre Upstairs
The Girlfriend Experience
By Alecky Blythe
Director Joe Hill-Gibbins; designer Lizzie Clachan
Tessa has set up a business; a brothel by the sea where mature women
specialise in the Girlfriend Experience, a surprisingly caring and
sympathetic service.
As the women stoically strive to make a living in a competitive market,
their personal lives start to crumble. Will they ever have loving
relationships outside work and enjoy being girlfriends themselves?
Created entirely from edited conversations recorded inside an actual
brothel.
17 October - 8 November
Theatre Upstairs
Faces in the Crowd
By Leo Butler
Director Clare Lizzimore
When Dave moved south to London he left behind his family, wife Joanne
and mounting financial woes in favour of a playground of riches, sex
and shopping. 10 years on and Joanne wants payback with interest.
20 November – 10 January
Theatre Downstairs
Wig Out!
By Tarell Alvin McCraney
Director Dominic Cooke; designer Ultz
Enter the legendary House of Light, a hyper-glamorous, uber-competitive
drag queen refuge where a daughter who was once a son, can find a
family.
While the House are primping and preening for a catwalk showdown with
the other houses, drag queen Nina is wooing the delectable Eric as
Wilson, a de-camped, make-up free 'straight' gay man. How can Nina/Wilson
strut the thorny divide between opposite genders and differing worlds?
21 November - 20 December
Theatre Upstairs
The Pride
By Alexi Kaye Campbell
Director Jamie Lloyd
The 1958 Philip is in love with Oliver, but married to Sylvia.
The 2008 Oliver is addicted to sex with strangers.
Sylvia loves them both.
