Neil Stuke Joins Dervla Kirwan in FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE, Running Now thru Dec 6 at Chichester

Neil Stuke joins the previously announced Dervla Kirwan at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester where they will play two cautious lovers whose tender and funny fledging romance unfolds over one memorable night in a New York apartment. FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE by Terrence McNally will be directed by Paulette Randall and runs tonight 6 November - 6 December 2014.

Frankie is a world-weary, guarded waitress who works with the wise-cracking chef Johnny. After spending the night together, Johnny refuses to go home. He wants to persuade Frankie that their one-night stand could herald the start of a special relationship. She's not so sure. Can they dump the negative baggage of their past and give love a chance before the sun comes up?

Since it first premiered off-Broadway in 1987, Frankie & Johnny in the Clair De Lune has touched a chord with audiences around the world. The production was subsequently adapted into a film starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Al Pacino.

Dervla Kirwan plays Frankie. Chichester credits include Uncle Vanya; other theatre credits include The Weir (Donmar and West End), Betrayal (Donmar), Aristocrats and Exile (both for the National Theatre). Television credits include Injustice, Casanova, True Dare Kiss and Ballykissangel.

Neil Stuke plays Johnny. Theatre credits include the recent New York premiere of Mike Bartlett's Bull, Season's Greetings (National Theatre) and West End productions of Boeing Boeing, Entertaining Mr Sloane, Mojo and Blue/Orange. Television credits include Silk, Plebs and Game On.

Terrence McNally's theatre credits include 2014's world premiere of Mothers and Sons, which received two Tony Award nominations, Master Class and the musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, which both received Tony Awards, as well as Ragtime.

The director is Paulette Randall whose credits include the acclaimed 2013 production of Fences by August Wilson. She has also directed several other notable productions in Wilson's 10-play cycle depicting the African-American experience including Gem of the Ocean, The Piano Lesson, Two Trains Running and King Hedley II. Randall was Associate Director of the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony, Artistic Director of the Talawa Theatre Company, and Chair of the Board of the Clean Break Theatre Company.

Design is by Libby Watson whose credits include the award-winning production of Mountaintop, Blues for Mister Charlie, Gem of the Ocean and The War Next Door (all for the Tricycle Theatre), and The Christ of Coldharbour Lane (Soho Theatre).

Lighting Design is by Mark Jonathan. He was a Chichester Artistic Associate from 2006 - 2008 when his credits included Taking Sides and Collaboration (also West End), Hobson's Choice (also UK tour) and The Life and Times of Nicholas Nickleby (also West End/tour/Toronto). Theatre credits also include Skylight (National Theatre) and Othello (RSC).

Sound design is by Al Ashford whose credits include Songs from a Hotel Bedroom (Watford Palace Theatre, New Wolsey Theatre and Royal Opera House), Gem of the Ocean and Blues for Mister Charlie (both for the Tricycle Theatre).

EVENTS:

There will be the chance to meet some of the Frankie & Johnny in the Clair De Lune company at a post-show discussion on Tuesday 2 December.

Join Stageturners for a book club with a difference. Read the script and watch the performance before enjoying an informal follow-up discussion over drinks on Thursday 11 December which will last around 45 minutes. Tickets £50 (includes ticket, script and drinks). Limited places, booking essential.

BOOKING:

Frankie & Johnny in the Clair De Lune is at the Minerva Theatre from today 6 November - 6 December. Evenings 7.45pm (except for the Press Night, Thursday 13 November, 7.00pm), matinees 2.45pm. Tickets: Previews/Press Night £18, £22, All other performances £24, £33. To book, go to cft.org.uk or contact the Box Office on 01243 781312.

Special Prices for 16 - 25s - An allocation of tickets for 16 - 25 year olds priced at just £8.50 for all performances will be on sale from 9 October. These may be booked on 01243 781312, online at cft.org.uk/850 or in person.

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