Derby Theatre’s first home-produced show since new artistic director Sarah Brigham took over will be Lee Hall’s dark comedy Cooking with Elvis.
Hall’s Oliver-nominated play “blends together all the essentials for comedy success: a dash of witty dialogue, a dollop of fantastic performances and a good glug of bawdy humour”.
Sarah Brigham said, “While selecting our first produced show I was looking for something that would sit well alongside the rest of the programme.
“Cooking with Elvis does that magical theatrical trick of moving you immeasurably but also giving you some real belly laughs. I think our audiences will really enjoy it.”
It will be directed by Mark Babych whose work has been seen throughout the UK, the Republic of Ireland and Europe. He directed more than 40 productions when he was artistic director of the Octagon Theatre, Bolton.
“I saw a number of Mark’s productions while he was at the Octagon and subsequently during his successful freelance career. I like his bold theatricality coupled with his ability to really develop performances which reach out to audiences,” added Sarah Brigham.
Babych added, “I'm really pleased to be working with Sarah Brigham and the team at Derby Theatre and honoured to be asked to direct the inaugural show of Sarah's first season.
“It's a brilliantly told, intelligent and edgy comedy that boldly deals with issues of family and relationship challenges in both familiar and surprising ways—it’s thought-provoking, entertaining and occasionally outrageous, and an evening that’s sure to delight and excite audiences about the ambition that Sarah's inspirational leadership will bring to this superb theatre.”
Cooking with Elvis will run from Friday 26 April until Saturday 18 May.
Meanwhile, Sarah Brigham has said one of her priorities is to get to know artists and creative people from across the East Midlands who have worked or who are currently working in professional theatre.
She said, “For me a local theatre should be a place where local artists feel at home.
“It seems to make sense that one of the first things I should do is to get to know who lives within a stone’s throw of the theatre and works in theatre.
“I’d like Derby Theatre to build a strong database of local artists, so I’m inviting actors, composers, directors, designers, playwrights, theatre companies and anyone else who works in professional theatre and is based in the East Midlands to get in touch.
“Send us your CV and/or company profile so that we’re aware of your portfolio and can consider you for future opportunities.”