James Dacre News

Orange Tree Theatre has announced further information for its 2024 Autumn season. The season features world premières of David Edgar's Here in America and Hannah Khalil's adaptation of Treasure Island alongside a revival of Rajiv Joseph's Guards at the Taj and Jane Asher joining Oliver Ford Davies to star in Twelfth Night.

Nevill Holt has announced a new chapter in its award-winning history as it becomes Nevill Holt Festival, welcoming a lineup of internationally renowned artists to Leicestershire next June. Learn more about the festival here!

Following a celebrated decade as Artistic Director at Royal & Derngate, James Dacre has announced the launch of a new production company – LIVING PRODUCTIONS – which will champion exceptional writers, composers, actors and creatives by developing and producing their work.

Brooklyn's Brave New World Repertory Theatre will present the American premiere of Arthur Miller’s unpublished screenplay, The Hook, adapted for the stage by Brooklyn-based writer Ron Hutchinson with UK director James Dacre, and directed by Claire Beckman, co-founder and producing artistic director of BNW Rep. 

Brooklyn's Brave New World Repertory Theatre will present the American premiere of Arthur Miller’s unpublished screenplay, The Hook, adapted for the stage by Brooklyn-based writer Ron Hutchinson with UK director James Dacre, and directed by Claire Beckman, co-founder and producing artistic director of BNW Rep.

Musical Theatre Network, Mercury Musical Developments and Oxford Playhouse has announced details of the 29 musicals that will be showcased in BEAM2023.  

Royal & Derngate, Northampton, has just announced the appointment of Jesse Jones as its new Artistic Director. In an exciting period of renewal for the venue, the theatre has also appointed to a new role, Deputy CEO (Producing and Programming), which sees Holly Gladwell join Jesse and Chief Executive Jo Gordon, as part of the leadership team. 

Full casting and creative team have been announced for WUTHERING HEIGHTS the brand-new adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel, opening at Royal & Derngate, Northampton from 24 April - 6 May, with a national press night on Friday 28 April ahead of a UK tour, playing Oxford, London, Coventry and Newcastle.

Production photos have been released for The Children’s Theatre Partnership and Royal & Derngate, Northampton’s co-production of Unexpected Twist. It will opened at Royal & Derngate, Northampton on 11 February 2023 and will be embarking on a National Tour from 28 February 2023.

Full casting has been announced for The Children's Theatre Partnership and Royal & Derngate, Northampton's co-production of Unexpected Twist. It will open at Royal & Derngate, Northampton on 11 February 2023 before embarking on a National Tour from 28 February 2023.

Inspector Sands will tour their first mid-scale show in 2023 – a brand new contemporary adaptation of Emily Brontë's WUTHERING HEIGHTS, at Royal & Derngate, Northampton from 24 Apr - 6 May, with a National Press Night on Friday 28 April ahead of a UK tour, playing Oxford, London, Warwick and Newcastle.

Royal & Derngate, Northampton and Polka Theatre are collaborating once again to present The Night Before Christmas. Following on from previous successful co-productions of The Everywhere Bear and Moominsummer Madness, this festive story will bring the magic of Christmas to life in Royal & Derngate's Underground Studio from Friday 25 November to Saturday 31 December.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has announced a brand new season of shows, including a an exclusive new production of THE SECRET LIVES OF HENRY & ALICE, a comedy by Black Country playwright, David Tristram which will be produced in its entirety by the Grand Theatre.

James Dacre has announced he will step down after a decade as Artistic Director at Royal & Derngate at the completion of the venue's 2022/23 Made in Northampton season next year - its most ambitious and far reaching programme to date. 

David Owen Norris talks to BroadwayWorld about writing and performing The Wellspring with his award-winning playwright/novelist son, Barney

As part of its Made in Northampton season, Royal & Derngate has today released Scene Unseen, an intimate cabaret by Jessica Walker and Joseph Atkins, directed for film by the theatre’s Artistic Director James Dacre with illustrations by award-winning illustrator Thomas Hicks and cinematography by David Lefeber. 

Anthony McCarten's thoughtful and witty play is now revived at Kingston’s Rose Theatre in a production that deftly combines solemnity with fun in portraying the fictional relationship between Pope Benedict and Pope Francis.

As part of its Made in Northampton season, Royal & Derngate has launched Scene Unseen, an intimate cabaret by Jessica Walker and Joseph Atkins, directed for film by the theatre's Artistic Director James Dacre with illustrations by award-winning illustrator Thomas Hicks and cinematography by David Lefeber. 

 Joining the previously announced Anton Lesser (Pope Benedict XVI) and Nicholas Woodeson (Cardinal Bergoglio – the future Pope Francis) in the London premiere and tour of Anthony McCarten’s The Two Popes, will be Lynsey Beauchamp as Sister Brigitta and Leaphia Darko as Sister Sophia, with Malcolm James and Angela Jones in the ensemble.