Northern Stage's spring production will be Joseph Heller's stage adaptation of his novel Catch-22. Running from 19 April to 10 May, followed by a national tour from 13 May to 28 June, the play will be directed by Rachel Chavkin, founding Artistic Director of Brooklyn-based devising ensemble the TEAM.
"Heller's stage adaptation really captures the heart of the book," she said, "and this production will aim to further breathe that air: absurd comedy, deadpan horror, and an amazing hero/antihero at the centre. Audiences can expect period music, some jitterbugging, purgatory antics, and moments of quiet at the end of the world. And humour of course: Heller's, and mine."
The production will be designed by Jon Bausor, whose theatre credits include Silence (RSC, Filter), The Homecoming (RSC), Lord of The Flies (Regents Park), KURSK (Sound and Fury/Young Vic; Evening Standard Best Design nomination), Ghost Stories (Lyric Hammersmith, West End) and James and the Giant Peach (Octagon, Bolton, Manchester Evening News Awards Best Design nomination).
The cast will be Daniel Ainsworth, Philip Arditti, Geoff Arnold, Victoria Bewick, Simon Darwen, Michael Hodgson, Liz Kettle, Christopher Price and David Webber.
After the Newcastle run, Catch-22 will tour to:
- 13 - 17 May Brighton Festival, Brighton Theatre Royal
- 20 – 24 May The REP, Birmingham
- 27 – 31 May Liverpool Playhouse
- 3 – 7 June Nuffield Theatre, Southampton
- 10 – 14 June Oxford Playhouse
- 17 – 21 June Derby Theatre
- 24 – 28 June Richmond Theatre, Surrey