The team behind the hit show & Juliet, writer David West Read and director Luke Sheppard, have turned their attention to the music of the late, great Roy Orbison for new musical In Dreams.
Due to receive its world premiere at the Leeds Playhouse next summer, the musical which will refashion and repurpose some of the Big O’s most iconic tracks is being described as a ‘lyrical and comedic exploration about legacy and how we would like to be remembered’.
Commenting on the Leeds debut for his new musical, Read said: “It is a tremendous honour to be premiering our new musical In Dreams at Leeds Playhouse which has developed a reputation for introducing innovative and inspirational work created by artists from around the world.
“When I was growing up in Canada, the iconic music of Roy Orbison was playing on repeat in my household, and it has been a lifelong ambition of mine to build a contemporary musical around his classic songs. To bring this show to the Leeds audience, in this theatre, in this moment, is quite literally a dream come true.”
The musical which will debut at the Courtyard Theatre at Leeds Playhouse from 1 July until 5 August 2023 is part of a busy spring/summer season at the venue which was recently crowned the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre at the 2022 UK Theatre Awards.
Leeds Playhouse will also pay tribute to Kay Mellor following her death in May this year, with a new production of A Passionate Woman, 30 years after the writer’s acclaimed play was first staged in her home city. The play will return to the Courtyard Theatre from 20 May until 10 June 2023 with a new production directed by Leeds Playhouse associate director Sameena Hussain.
Other highlights include Sinfonia is a dynamic new production filled with cross-artform performances of music, dance and storytelling which unapologetically combines moments of joy, humour and true stories from the generation who introduced punk to the world. Created from stories donated by the older people from the Leeds city region, Sinfonia is directed by award-winning 73-year-old theatre maker Alan Lyddiard and is a ground-breaking collaboration between The Performance Ensemble, Leeds Playhouse, Leeds Museums and Galleries and Leeds Older People’s Forum for LEEDS 2023 (Quarry Theatre, 27 April to 6 May 2023).
Unveiling the new season, artistic director and CEO James Brining said: “We all tell stories. It’s part of what makes us human, how we describe the world, understand the landscape around us and how we would like it to be. This season, we are sharing stories that are simultaneously deeply humane and sweeping in scope. Each speaks to the moment – to who we are today and what our hopes are for tomorrow.
“Our principal aim is to welcome everyone to the Playhouse whether that’s to enjoy a piece of theatre or a piece of cake, to share a creative idea or partake in a creative opportunity. Over the Playhouse’s 52 plus years, it is the stories and life experiences of the people we meet each and every day – whether they are from communities across our region or if they are visiting for the very first time – who help to mould this theatre, this charity, into the space they need it to be.
“It was an honour to be named UK Theatre’s Most Welcoming Theatre 2022 and to be in such great company both nationally and locally. A massive well done to all the Yorkshire artists and theatres whose work was recognised. It demonstrates the commitment we have in the region to producing quality work, and to caring for our audiences, participants and artists.”
Angela Thomas
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