Wise Children
Enter a magical world of wonder and theatre with Wise Children tickets at the Old Vic
‘Let’s have all the skeletons out of the closet, today, of all days!’
Emma Rice launches her new theatre company Wise Children at the Old Vic Theatre, with an adaptation of Angela Carter’s 1991 novel of the same name. Entering a residency at the London venue, the production marks the company’s first theatrical outing, co-produced by Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Oxford Playhouse and York Theatre Royal.
Taking place on 23 April, Shakespeare’s birthday, Nora and Dora Chance are celebrating their 70th birthday down in Brixton. Twin girls born and bred south of the river, the pair grew up dancing as chorus girls. On the same day, their father Melchior Hazard is turning 100 – alongside his twin brother Peregrine. But, is Peregrine still alive? And is Melchior their real father?
A bawdy tale of heartbreak, joy and forgiveness, twists and turns are rife throughout Wise Children. Packed full of mistaken identity, live music and thrilling theatrical treats, Emma Rice’s signature style comes in to play, bringing a sense of unique exuberance to the stage.
Recently finishing her tenure as Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe, Emma Rice is well-known for working alongside Kneehigh Theatre, particularly with her long-running production of The Red Shoes. Further productions include new musical Romantics Anonymous, Tristan & Yseult, The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk and the ever-successful Brief Encounter.
Sounds and video design are courtesy of Simon Baker with lighting by Malcolm Rippeth. Choreography is by Etta Murfitt and the fights are created by Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown while set and costume design are the work of Vicki Mortimer. Lyndie Wright is the puppetry designer; Sarah Wright is the puppetry director. Animation is provided by Beth Carter and Stuart Mitchell.
The cast includes Mike Shepherd as Peregrine and Sam Archer as Young Peregrine; Etta Murfitt as Nora and Mirabelle Gremaud as Young Nora; Paul Hunter as Melchior and Ankur Bahl as Young Melchior; Gareth Snook as Dora and Bettrys Jones as Young Dora. Further cast comprises Ian Ross, Katy Owen, Patrycja Kujawska, Melissa James, Alex Heane, Stu Barker and Omari Douglas.
A magical production that brings to life show business, show girls and a huge sense of theatricality, Wise Children is the premiere production of Rice’s brand new company, playing a limited season at The Old Vic. The show runs from 8 October to 10 November 2018, with an official opening on 17 October 2018.
Child Friendly
Wise Children is recommended for those aged 12 and up.