Secret Theatre comes to Newcastle

Published: 31 May 2014
Reporter: Peter Lathan

Secret Theatre

The Lyric Hammersmith's Secret Theatre transfers to Newcastle's Northern Stage, but with a difference—because, of course, the productions are no longer secret.

The advertising for the London season said, "We’re not going to tell you what the shows are, who has written them, or who is playing whom, it will be a genuine surprise. You could see a classic, an adaptation or a brand new play," but for Newcastle the productions are known.

They are:

  • A Streetcar Named Desire (4, 7, 10, 12 & 14 June)
    "A reclaiming of Tennessee Williams’ classic like you’ve never seen it before."
  • Woyzeck (5 & 11June)
    "A mind-boggling staging of George Büchner’s masterpiece of a man, murder and madness."
  • Chamber Piece (11 & 14 June)
    "A pitch-black comedy from up-and-coming writer Caroline Bird about power, lethal injection and the desperate need for a Twix."
  • Glitterland (6 June)
    "A thrilling story of power, corruption and revenge adapted from John Webster’s The White Devil by Hayley Squires."

In addition to the productions, there will also be a series of free workshops which are open to those who have bought a ticket for a performance.:

  • Acting with Lyric Hammersmith's Sean Holmes
    Thurs 5 June: 11AM - 1PM
    Get an insight into the rehearsal techniques of Sean Holmes. Discover the Secret Theatre Company's processes and learn about the challenges of working with an ensemble.
  • Producing workshop I
    Fri 6 June: 5:30PM - 7PM
    Examine the role of the producer from professional responsibilites to the day-to-day practicalities.
  • Writing Workshop with Simon Stephens
    Fri 13 June: 1PM - 4PM
    Award-winning playwright and Lyric Associate Artist Simon Stephens leads an interrogation of dramatic action looking at the techniques and approaches that underpin his work. Includes a Q&A chaired by Northern Stage's Lorne Campbell.
  • Producing workshop II
    Sat 14 June 11AM - 1PM
    Explore programming, budgeting and pitching ideas through a series of practical exercises.

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