The greatest celebrity villain of the Victorian age is to come to life in a joint production by Nottingham Playhouse and Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre.
Penned by Nottingham writer Michael Eaton, Charlie Peace: His Amazing Life and Astounding Legend tells the story of a master of disguise who was also an accomplished magician and irresistibly attractive to women.
On the run after murdering his lover’s husband, Peace hides in the warrens of Nottingham’s Narrow Marsh.
This modern musical melodrama is presented in the tradition of Victorian sideshows as it asks the question: why are we terrified of crime but fascinated by criminals?
The world première features Peter Duncan as Charlie Peace with Norman Pace as the showman.
Nottingham Playhouse artistic director Giles Croft directs, with design by Barney George. Composer and musical director is Jonathan Girling.
Charlie Peace: His Amazing Life and Astounding Legend runs at Nottingham Playhouse from Friday (4 October) until Saturday 19 October before moving to Coventry Belgrade’s B2 auditorium from Saturday 26 October until Saturday 16 November.