Newcastle-under-Lyme’s New Vic Theatre is to welcome audiences back in summer 2021 with two “unique experiences”: a piece of digital theatre designed specifically for the in-the-round auditorium and a promenade production for families.
Hoard: Rediscovered is a reimagining of pieces from the theatre's 2015 Staffordshire Hoard Festival, developed in conjunction with the National Theatre Studio. It brings to life the story of the discovery of the biggest hoard of Anglo-Saxon treasure in history. It will be screened from Thursday 10 until Saturday 19 June.
It will feature New Vic artistic director Theresa Heskins's documentary-drama Unearthed and a selection of mini-plays directed by Gemma Fairlie. Audiences will have the ability to watch all of the plays or choose which elements of the programme they want to see.
Coppelia: A Mystery will take audiences on a journey from outdoors to indoors and back again as they discover the curious secrets of Doctor Coppelius's toyshop. It will take place from Friday 16 July until Saturday 7 August.
Heskins said, "Hoard: Rediscovered and Coppelia were both made during challenging times last year. Just as we were about to welcome audiences, the theatre had to close to the public so that we could play our role in fighting the pandemic. It feels quite emotional to be reviving these cherished pieces of work right now.
“They're unique experiences, tailored very precisely for this place and time and people, and we hope that audiences will be able to feel the love and care—and gratitude—that's gone into making them.
"Everything this year is a bit different. However, we're still determined to provide extraordinary and memorable pieces of theatre with ferocious energy and optimism while also offering our audiences a chance to explore something new."