Criterion Theatre Brings Culture and Sport Togetber In PLAYING THE GAMES

The Criterion Theatre will present PLAYING THE GAMES, a programme of work which will celebrate both artistic and sporting talent featuring emerging and established actors, comedians, musicians, playwrights and Olympians.

Bringing culture and sport together, past and present Olympians will take to the stage for a series of lunchtime discussions about their life and work, interviewed by leading arts personalities. In addition Sam Hodges, producer of the Criterion Theatre, has commissioned two new plays by emerging British playwrights Serge Cartwright and Adam Brace in response to the presence of the Olympic Games in London. Late night events will include performances by leading comedians. Stephen Fry, Chairman of the Criterion Theatre, has co-curated PLAYING THE GAMES along with Hodges.

AFTER THE PARTY by Serge Cartwright

Sam Hodges will direct Sophie Cosson, David Fynn, Malcolm Hamilton, Kate Lamb and Richard Riddell in the world premiere of Serge Cartwright’s AFTER THE PARTY playing at the Criterion. Designs are by James Cotterill with lighting by Emma Chapman and sound by Gregory Clarke.

Performances of AFTER THE PARTY are: previews Saturday 28 July at 1PM, Sunday 29 July at 5PM, Monday 30 July at 4:15PM (press performance), then Tuesday 31 July at 4:15PM, Thursday 2 August at 4:15PM, Friday 3 August at 4:15PM, Sunday 5 August at 5PM, Monday 6 August at 4:15PM, Tuesday 7 August at 4:15PM, Thursday 9 August at 4:15PM (captioned performance), Friday 10 August at 4:15PM (audio described performance) and Sunday 12 August 6PM. Preview tickets are £7.50, then £7.50, £10.00 and £15.00.

Sean and Ray are best friends from Stratford. Once a promising DJ double act, now they're stuck in a rut: 30ish, unemployed but still clinging to a fantasy of making it in the music industry. With a baby on the way and the world about to arrive on their doorstep for London 2012, it could be the perfect opportunity for them to make something of their lives.... After the Party is a fresh, comic take on an everyday Londoner’s attempt to go from rank outsider to out and out winner.

TAKING PART by Adam Brace

Charlotte Gwinner will direct Obi Abili and Paul Moriarty in the world premiere of Adam Brace’s two-hander TAKING PART. Designs are by James Cotterill with lighting by Emma Chapman and sound by Gregory Clarke.

Performances of TAKING PART are: previews Friday 27 July at 1PM, Sunday 29 July at 3PM, Monday 30 July at 2:30PM (press performance), then Tuesday 31 July at 2:30PM, Thursday 2 August at 2:30PM, Friday 3 August at 2:30PM, Sunday 5 August at 3PM, Monday 6 August at 2:30PM, Tuesday 7 August at 2:30PM, Thursday 9 August at 2:30PM (captioned performance), Friday 10 August at 2:30PM (audio described performance) and Sunday 12 August at 4PM. Preview tickets are £7.50, then £7.50, £10.00 and £15.00.

Lucky Henry, a Congolese security guard, has set his sights set on representing his country at the 2012 Olympics. Only one problem; he’s a terrible swimmer and his Russian coach wants to fly home on the first day of training. Everyone loves an underdog – think Eddie the Eagle or Eric the Eel. Follow Henry’s journey from deep end straggler to Olympic hopeful as the two men try to fulfill their dreams at the London games. Taking part is a funny, timely tale of true grit, self belief and canny opportunism.

The performances will take place Criterion Theatre, 218-223 Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, London, W1V 9LB 0844-8471778. For information, log on to www.criterion-theatre.co.uk

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