Curve’s artistic director Nikolai Foster will stage the musical version of Roman Holiday. Picture: Ellie Kurttz
The UK premiere of the stage musical version of the Academy Award-winning movie Roman Holiday is one of a trio of new Made at Curve productions lined up for 2020 at the prestigious Leicester Curve venue.
Featuring the timeless music of Cole Porter and with a libretto by Kirsten Guenther and the book writer for White Christmas, Paul Blake, the show will bring a touch of Neapolitan magic to the city from 15 July until 1 August.
First seen in the US in 2017, the new version of the musical which sets the story of the Princess and the journalist to the distinctive music of Porter will be directed by Curve’s artistic director Nikolai Foster.
Commenting on the production, Blake said: “I, Paramount and the Cole Porter Estate are so honoured that the UK premiere of Roman Holiday will be at the Curve Theatre in Leicester and that it will be directed by Nikolai Foster. Years ago, I co-wrote Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and this Christmas I got to see first-hand the loving care and joy Nikolai’s direction brought to that show. I’m sure Roman Holiday is in the hands of one of England’s best directors and theatres – I couldn’t be happier.”
Directed by William Wyler and based on a story by Dalton Trumbo, the 1953 film featured an Oscar-winning performance from Audrey Hepburn as the runaway princess who enjoys a day away from Royal duties in the company of an American reporter played by Gregory Peck.
Roman Holiday will be followed by a new production of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof directed by Anthony Almeida. Supported by grant funding from the Royal Theatrical Support Trust, the Made at Curve, Rose Theatre Kingston, English Touring Theatre and Alexandra Palace co-production will debut at Curve in September before visiting the Alexandra Palace and Kingston’s Rose Theatre.
Curve is also co-commissioning a new major dance collaboration from Curve associate artist Aakash Odedra and Hu Shenyuan. Co-commissioned with Birmingham Hippodrome, Samsara will arrive at Curve in October as part of an international tour which will begin in Melbourne, Australia.
Unveiling details of the three productions, Curve’s chief executive Chris Stafford and artistic director Foster said: “Diversity and eclecticism sit at the heart of our theatre and city and we are excited to present a new slate of projects stretching across 2020.
“Alongside our already announced shows, we are thrilled to announce the return of associate artist Aakash Odedra with a brand-new Curve co-commission, Samsara. And it’s made all the more exciting by Aakash’s collaboration with Chinese artist Hu Shenyuan.
“Musicals continue to play a huge part in our journey and Kirsten Guenther and Paul Blake’s adaptation of Roman Holiday will bring Italian chic, the great songs of Cole Porter and a bit of la dolce vita to our stage this summer.
“It’s been a joy working with Royal Theatrical Support Trust, colleagues at English Touring Theatre, Rose Theatre Kingston and Alexandra Palace and we are delighted to be working with rising star director Anthony Almeida on his bold reimagining of Williams’s magnificent play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”
Angela Thomas
SHARE THIS POST:
Comments are closed.