THE WHO'S TOMMY and 'PINOCCHIO' Set for the Greenwich Theatre This August

A go-getting young producer of new musical theatre is filling the normally quiet month of August at Greenwich Theatre with two full-length musicals to appeal to a wide range of audience -- The Who's Tommy and The Adventures of Pinocchio.

Using similar sets and the same lighting and sound teams, Tommy runs in the evening from Wednesday, July 29, to Sunday, August 23, while Pinocchio will be available during the day from Wednesday, August 5-23.

The double attraction was the brainchild of producer Katy Lipson, who's Aria Entertainment, has strong links with the theatre after showing The Secret Garden as part of a national tour.

"I have always talked with James Haddrell, artistic & executive director at the theatre of producing something with a much longer run," said Katy. "I mentioned Tommy to James and he said: 'Oh, I love that show and would love to see it at Greenwich."

"Timing was a problem because there wasn't much space left in the year, so I proposed to do them both together in a rep season at the theatre. Tommy has a much smaller cast and our vision is very different from what anyone has seen before. It's much grittier and doesn't masquerade behind the music, although all the music is still there."

Katy has worked on five productions at the same time, so two shouldn't be a problem. "You just have to delegate," she said. "We share the marketing and PR, the payroll and the programme. You have to make it all as quick and cost-effective as possible.

"There's a lot resting on it but if the buzz is good and everyone's talking about your show they are more likely to come and see it."

James Haddrell said: "It's to Katy's absolute credit that she got the rights to Tommy. We've been talking for quite a while to find the right project for a prolonged run at Greenwich and I think these two shows fit the bill perfectly.

"The quality of Katy's work is dominating the fringe and our reputation for musical theatre is growing after Avenue Q, Rent and Altar Boyz. This will be the UK premiere of Pinocchio and I've always wanted to do Tommy. The profile of The Who could hardly be higher after playing Glastonbury and Hyde Park."

IF YOU GO:

* The Who's Tommy: Wed, July 29, to Sunday, August 23

* The Adventures of Pinocchio: Wed 5 to Sunday, August 23

More details at www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 020 8858 7755

ABOUT THE SHOWS:

TOMMY
Wed 29 July - Sun 23 August 2015

Based on the iconic 1969 double album rock opera, The Who's Tommy is an exhilarating story of hope, healing, and the human spirit. The story of the pinball-playing, deaf, dumb and blind boy who triumphs over his adversities has inspired, amazed and puzzled audiences for more than 40 years.

This five-time TONY Award, four-time Drama Desk Award and three-time Olivier Award winning musical was translated to the stage by theatrical wizard Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys, Guys & Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar) and Pete Townshend into a high-energy, one-of-a-kind theatrical event.

The first UK revival in 19 years will mark the 40th Anniversary of the original film and the 50th Anniversary of The Who with a brand new production with direction by Award Winning theatre Director Michael Strassen (Pacific Overtures, Billy, Assassins), Musical Direction by Kevin Oliver Jones (West End - Thriller Live, Elvis, Dancing in the Streets).

Winner of 5 Tony Awards, 4 Drama Desk Awards, 1 Grammy Award, 1 Theatre World Award and 3 Laurence Olivier Awards.

By special arrangement with Josef Weinberger Limited on behalf of Music Theatre International of New York.

Presented by: Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, Guy James and Szpiezak Productions in association with Greenwich Theatre
Music and lyrics by: Pete Townshend
Book by: Pete Townshend & Des McAnuff
Additional music and lyrics by: John Entwistle & Keith Moon
Directed by: Michael Strassen
Musical Director: Kevin Oliver Jones
Choreographer: Mark Smith
Performance times: Eves 7.30pm, Sat Mats 3pm
Prices: £26, Concessions £21 (£25 and £20 tickets plus £1 booking fee)
Previews (29 & 30 July) - all tickets £15

PINOCCHIO
Wed 5-Sun 23 August 2015

Originally produced at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, a new musical adaptation of the classic children's story will receive its UK Premiere at Greenwich Theatre this summer.

Based on Carlo Collodi's classic tale, Pinocchio tells the story of a wooden puppet yearning to be a real boy. Carved out of wood by the lonely toymaker Geppetto, Pinocchio tumbles from one disastrous situation to another in search of adventure - only to discover that, in the end, all he really needs is an unselfish heart and the love of his father.

Written by the Broadway and Disney writing duo Neil Bartram and Brian Hill (The Story of My Life, Bedknobs and Broomsticks), this family musical brings a new vision of the timeless story to the stage, springing to life with inventive and awe-inspiring puppetry, live musicians, singers and performers.

The production will be directed by Bronagh Lagan (Portia Coughlan, Girlfriends, Rags In Concert) with Musical Direction by Freddie Tapner (Girlfriends, Mr Swallow The Musical, The Sorrows Of Satan). It is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, Guy James and Ilai Szpiezak for Szpiezak Productions in association with Greenwich Theatre.

Presented by special arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe.

Presented by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, Guy James and Ilai Szpiezak in association with Greenwich Theatre
Performance times: Tue-Fri 3pm, Sat 12pm, Sun 12pm & 3pm
Prices: £16, Concessions £13.50, Children £11 (£15, £12.50 and £10 tickets plus £1 booking fee)

Funded by Royal Greenwich, Greenwich Theatre is one of London's foremost Off-West End theatres, presenting a year round programme of drama, musicals and family theatre. It is one of the country's leading supporters of young and emerging theatre makers, currently supporting 20 young artists and companies in everything from production and tour management to script development and marketing.

Since launching an artist support programme in 2011, Greenwich Theatre has enabled new theatre-makers to present their work around London and the UK, as well as in Dublin, Madrid and New York.

The Theatre plays a vital role in the cultural life of the local community, running a free open-access teenage choir with funding from Youth Music UK, alongside a programme of adult education provision including older people's performance sessions, puppetry classes and choral theatre training.

The Theatre is also a significant developer and programmer of theatre for children and families, and founder and co-producer of the annual Greenwich Children's Theatre Festival, part of the Royal Greenwich Festivals.

For more information, visit www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk.

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