Ian McDiarmid's FAUST X 2 Finds Full Cast at The Watermill Theatre
By: BWW News Desk Feb. 06, 2017
Inspired by Philip Wayne's translation of Goethe's dramatic poem, McDiarmid's adaptation opens on 2 March and runs to 25 March and features projection designed by acclaimed animation and video designer Zsolt Balogh, and music composed by Richard Hammarton.
The Watermill's intimate space, which is ideally suited for this production, will be given a new dimension with the set designed by Georgia Lowe complemented by Balogh's contemporary projection. Balogh's work includes Hull's UK City of Culture Opening Ceremony, the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony and the David Bowie is exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as productions for the National Theatre, English National Opera, Metropolitan Opera and Royal Court. Faust x 2 is directed by Lisa Blair (Contractions, Sheffield Theatres), with lighting designed by Elliot Griggs and sound designed by Richard Hammarton.
Faust, a brilliant but dissatisfied academic, sells his soul for a chance to lead a different life. Two young people - a teenage girl and a former student - both encourage and frustrate his newly awakened sensual desires and emotional needs. For Faust, to be young again is 'very heaven'. But, only hell awaits.
Ian McDiarmid's stage credits include the RSC, National Theatre, Donmar Warehouse and Almeida Theatre. He is well known for his role as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine in the Star Wars film series.
This production is suitable for age 12 upwards, but please note that it features scenes of a sexual nature and strong language.
IF YOU GO:
FAUST X 2
2 March to 25 March
Press night: Wednesday 8 March at 7.30pm
Performances: Monday - Saturday 7.30pm, Thursday & Saturday 2.30pm
Last Saturday performances at 1.30pm and 6.30pm
Tickets: from £15 - £26.50.
Box Office: 01635 46044 | www.watermill.org.uk
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Daisy Fairclough - Gretchen
Theatre includes: DNA, Pigeon English, Romeo & Juliet (National Youth Theatre Rep Company). Television: The Strike Series (Bronte Productions). Film includes: Just Charlie (Seahorse Films). (to be approved)
Ian McDiarmid - Faust
As a leading theatre actor, Ian has appeared with all the major U.K. companies, in the West End and on Broadway, receiving many awards, including an Olivier and a Tony. From 1990 to 2002, he was joint Artistic Director of London's Almeida Theatre, helping to establish its international reputation. His many television and film roles include Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars films. Ian most recently starred in What Shadows at the Birmingham Rep. McDiarmid will be back on the screen in 2017 as King Pellenor in the Sky/Amazon collaboration Britannia.
Jacques Miche - Mephisto
Theatre includes: Jason in Saving Jason (Park Theatre); Knuckles in Bugsy Malone (Lyric Hammersmith); Isaac Tallentire in The Hired Man (NYMT, Nikolai Foster); Brett in 13 the Musical (NYMT, Jason Robert Brown); The Artful Dodger in Oliver! the Musical (Cameron Mackintosh Ltd); Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol (The Royal Northern Ballet Company). Television includes: Daniel in The Revolting World of Stanley Brown (Retort Productions).
The Watermill is celebrating 50 years as a successful, producing theatre.
In the early 1960s David Gollins, with the support of his mother Judy Gollins, had the vision and the foresight to create one of the smallest and most beautiful professional theatres in the country from a derelict watermill. On the banks of the River Lambourn, in the hamlet of Bagnor, just outside Newbury, West Berkshire, the mill, dating from 1830, was used as a corn mill, a fullers mill and a fine paper mill before it was converted into a theatre. The first professional theatre season was in 1967 and included a production of Under Milk Wood in which David Jason performed at the beginning of his career. Bill Nighy worked as an assistant stage manager at the theatre in 1969 before making his professional acting debut on The Watermill stage in Neil Simon's Plaza Suite. Three years later, in 1971, a young David Suchet performed in The Price by Arthur Miller.
Over the years The Watermill, a small local theatre seating just 220 people, has built a national and international reputation. It creates award-winning work with a bold artistic ambition, from Shakespeare, classic plays and new writing to the reimagining of large-scale musicals. Alongside West End and Broadway transfers, and national tours, The Watermill also creates productions for small-scale touring, ensuring that those living in rural isolation are able to enjoy high quality theatre on their doorstep. Attracting the very best artists and creative teams, both established and at the Early Stages of their careers, The Watermill has earned itself a reputation as one of the most successful producing theatres in the country.
The Watermill is proud to be a leading force in cultivating the theatre-makers of tomorrow, offering opportunities for professional development to directors, designers, composers, stage management and technical staff. It nurtures a unique sense of community, with acting companies, stage management and creative teams all living and working on site to enable practitioners to develop their craft and learn new skills from the theatre's experienced and passionate in-house team. The Watermill also trains administration staff for careers in the arts from casting to marketing and fundraising, with an extensive outreach programme that offers facilitation roles to those wishing to pursue a career in education and outreach work. Through its numerous development opportunities, The Watermill strives to give confidence and guidance to those starting out, and provide a creative springboard for work on a larger scale.
The Watermill Theatre has been recognised as one of the most welcoming venues in the UK, shortlisted twice in the UK Theatre Awards 'Most Welcoming Theatre' category.
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