The Playground Theatre Announces First Anniversary Season - ONCE UPON A MATTRESS and More

Following a triumphant first year, The Playground Theatre today announces its first full Autumn Season. The programme runs from October to January and features the World premiere of The Paradise Circus by cult American novelist James Purdy, the World premiere of Fanatical the Musical by Matt Board and Reina Hardy, and a Christmas revival of Once Upon a Mattress, Mary Rodgers and Marshall Barer's musical comedy based on Hans Christian Andersen's The Princess and The Pea.

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James Purdy's The Paradise Circus, directed by Anthony Biggs, runs from October 8 to November 3 (press performance October 12).

A bewitching tale from 'a singular American Visionary- New York Times.

In the deep Mid-West old miser Rawlings pines for his perfect boy killed in The Great War. His two younger sons, neglected by their father, waste their lives away painting beautiful horses for the merry-go-round. When the enigmatic ringmaster of a travelling circus pays an unexpected visit, he makes the old man a terrible but tempting offer. Wracked with guilt over his decision, in desperation Rawlings is forced to turn to Alda Pennington for help. But, salvation doesn't come cheaply at the home of the witch doctor.

James Purdy is the lesser-known titan of American twentieth century literature. Celebrated by the likes of Tennessee Williams and Edith Sitwell, he is described by Gore Vidal as 'an authentic American genius', Purdy's influence stretches far beyond his fame.

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Matt Board's and Reina Hardy's Fanatical, directed by Shaun Kerryson runs from November 7 to December 9 (press performance November 14).

In a distant Galaxy the ragtag, misfit crew of cargo ship Angel 8 are under the command of fearless pilot Iris Aucht. Meanwhile at a conference centre, somewhere in England a ragtag, misfit collection of 1,000 fans gather from all across the UK for Eight Con One, the first ever official convention of Angel 8, the cult TV show. Angel 8 started as a comic created by reclusive British sci-fi author Scott Furnish. Its first TV outing ended on a shocking cliff-hanger. With eager anticipation at the promise of a second series, these enthusiastic devotees have convened to celebrate their beloved programme and to meet Scott face-to-face and hear his keynote speech.

Fanatical is about being true to oneself, finding love against the odds, and snatching triumph from the jaws of disaster - proving that no power in the universe can keep a story from its fans.

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Mary Rodgers' and Marshall Barer's Once Upon a Mattress directed by Alex Pearson and Grace Wessels runs from December 18 to January 19 (press performance December 20).

Once Upon A Mattress is a modern-day family musical based on the story of The Princess and the Pea. Winnifred, better known as Fred, is not your average princess - she's loud, independent and knows her own mind. But for her to marry Prince Dauntless, she must prove to his overprotective mother, Queen Aggravain, that she is indeed a true princess in an impossible test.

With music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer, Once Upon A Mattress takes place against the colourful backdrop of Fred's beloved's castle and is set to an upbeat jazzy score.

Anthony Biggs, Co-Artistic director says: "We are thrilled to be announcing our first full season less than a year after opening The Playground. As the word has spread about this exciting and welcoming new neighbourhood theatre, audiences from all over London and beyond are beginning to seek us out."

The Playground Theatre's mission is to work with both established and emerging artists in the UK and internationally. The ethos is one of cross-fertilization between different forms and cultures with the aim of creating work that is bold and imaginative, while fully engaging in the rich diversity of the local community

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