Hope Mill’s Rags to transfer to London’s Park Theatre

The London transfer of Hope Mill Theatre’s critically acclaimed Rags The Musical will be the opening production of 2020 at Finsbury Park’s Park Theatre.

Presented by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment and Hope Mill Theatre in association with Knockhardy Productions and Park Theatre, the new version of the musical which received its UK premiere at the Manchester venue earlier this year, will play Park200 from 9 January until 8 February 2020.

Directed by Hope Mill regular Bronagh Lagan (Little Women, Putting It Together), the production features musical direction by Joe Bunker, orchestrations by Nick Barstow, choreography by Philip Michael Thomas, set and costume design by Gregor Donnelly, lighting design by Derek Anderson, sound design by James Nicholson and casting by Jane Deitch.

With a book by Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof), lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) and music by Charles Strouse (Annie), the story of a Russian immigrant who travels to America with her son in search of a better life debuted on Broadway in 1986.

The writers have re-worked and revised the show a number of times, most recently in 2017. Hope Mill Theatre’s production of the well-received 2017 version which features a revised book by David Thompson debuted in Manchester in March this year with Rebecca Trehearn in the central role. Casting for the transfer run will be announced at a later date.

Hope Aria Productions will also bring its popular An Evening With Stephen Schwartz to the Park Theatre on Sunday 12 January. Featuring the American lyricist and composer showcasing some of his most famous works and a panel discussion and audience Q&A with the man whose hits include Wicked, Godspell and Pippin, the event was first seen in Manchester in February this year.

Unveiling a season that will also include Simon Callow’s translation of Jean Poret’s original play La Cage Aux Folles, Park Theatre’s artistic director Jez Bond said: “Once more this season we’re bringing a wealth of new writing to the stage – in terms of both UK and world premieres, along with an exciting 10th anniversary revival. As a theatre that embraces its local community, we are proud to be collaborating with a diverse range of artists to present a variety of plays which will engage and resonate with all Londoners.”

Angela Thomas

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Rags at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester – Review