Northampton’s Royal and Derngate is to stage two new shows in 2024: a comedy based on a Greek classic and a reworking of a family adventure.
Royal and Derngate will co-produce The Frogs, Carl Grose and Spymonkey’s reimagining of Aristophanes’ work, which will be performed by Aitor Basauri, Toby Park and Jacoba Williams.
The production is the result of a long-term development process between the company and Royal and Derngate. It is part of the theatre’s commitment to ensemble-led theatre. It will run from Friday 19 January until Saturday 3 February.
The theatre will also present Simple8’s family adventure Moby Dick. The reworking of its 2013 production featuring live sea shanties is Sebastian Armesto’s adaptation of Herman Melville’s novel. Moby Dick will open on the Royal stage from Friday 5 until Saturday 13 April before going on a national tour.
Jesse Jones, who took over as Royal and Derngate’s artistic director in summer 2023, said, “I can’t wait to welcome these two new productions, both of which have been in development since before my tenure as artistic director.
“These shows are symbolic of Royal and Derngate's extensive work with ensemble-led theatre companies and our commitment to staying connected with our local community, values I hope to continue to build on when I announce my first season in the months to come.”