RING CYCLE PLAYS Begins at Open-Air Theatre Season Today

London's Free Open-Air Theatre Season 2014 continues with THE RING CYCLE PLAYS, devised by Phil Willmott and Mervyn Millar, and adapted from Richard Wagner's librettos by Lisa Kuma . Season: 6 - 31 August, Wednesday - Sunday: 6.00pm - 6.45pm THE RHINE GOLD; 7.00pm - 7.45pm THE VALKYRIE; 7.45pm - 8.30pm Break; 8.30pm - 9.15pm SIEGFRIED; 9.30pm - 10.15pm TWILIGHT OF THE GODS. Press Night: Friday 15 August from 6.00pm.

The Ring Cycle Plays, a bold new theatrical adventure from The Scoop's award-winning, resident company, Gods and Monsters Theatre Limited, is a unique opportunity for opera buffs and fantasy fans alike to gain a new insight into Richard Wagner's extraordinary chronicle by encountering The Ring Cycle operas performed as plays without the usual operatic scores.

Wagner's celebrated adaptation of Viking myths, remains one of the most powerful and influential tales of sword and sorcery ever written, directly inspiring The Lord of the Rings and many other fantasy and sci-fi classics. It's an extraordinary tale of gods, giants, nymphs, dwarfs and humans, revealing how both mortals and immortals fall under the spell of a powerful ring, possession of which brings the chaos and glory of absolute power!

The story unfolds over four hours interspersed with generous intervals and builds into an unforgettable, family-friendly evening of mythical romance, comedy and drama. You can catch the shows on different nights or see them all in one epic visit.

And there's no need to book - just turn up and take a seat! There's room for 1,000 people at every performance.

Last year, 33,184 people watched The Thebans season. Extraordinarily, almost 8,000 were first time theatregoers; 56% were under 35 years of age (compared to 37% in the West End) and 83% were Londoners.

This is the 12th anniversary of London's Free Open-Air Theatre Season in the stunning Greek amphitheatre setting of The Scoop at More London, sited next to City Hall on the banks of the River Thames. Winner of a Peter Brook Award for innovation, this season of completely free theatre is now firmly established as one of London's annual theatre-going must-sees.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London said today: "Come rain or shine, the Open Air Theatre at The Scoop has been delighting audiences since 2003, with a terrific free programme that has ranged from lively musicals to Greek classics. As well as packing in the crowds, this remarkable company is working successfully with local schools, hospitals and charities. This unique arts organisation continues to thrive by breaking down the perceived barriers of the arts, to attract a highly diverse and enthusiastic audience. Long may it continue!

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