Will Tuckett to Direct Marianne Dreams at The Almeida

     Will Tuckett will direct Marianne Dreams, the Almeida's first production specifically for families.First published in 1958 and reprinted many times, Marianne Dreams is a children's classic.  Moira Buffini's adaptation of Catherine Storr's classic novel will run at the Almeida from 13 December 2007 – 19 January 2008, with press night on 19 December.  Designs are by Anthony Ward, with lighting by Neil Austin.   On her tenth birthday Marianne runs a fever and to her horror she's soon confined to bed. She picks up a pencil and starts to draw to fill her time.  That night Marianne dreams.  Transported into her own picture she discovers she has the power to change her dreams. As she draws by day and dreams by night, Marianne soon realises the consequences of her actions and finds that she's not alone – a sick boy called Mark exists not only in her dreams but also in her waking reality.   Director and Choreographer Will Tuckett joined SWRB/Birmingham Royal Ballet in 1988, transferring to The Royal Ballet in 1990 where he is now a Guest Principal Character Artist.  He has won several choreographic awards and been nominated for Critics Circle Dance Awards for both The Wind in the Willows and The Canterville Ghost.  Tuckett's choreography includes works for The Royal Ballet, SWRB/Birmingham Royal Ballet, ROH2 (including Timecode, The Wind in the Willows, A Soldier's Tale and Pinocchio), Rambert Dance Company, English National Ballet (The Canterville Ghost) andDance Umbrella as well as work for the National Ballet of China, American Ballet Theatre's Studio Company and the Royal Ballet School.  He has choreographed/directed several films for the BBC and Channel 4 and conceived the Channel 4 series Ballet Changed My Life: BalletHoo!  In April this year he choreographed and directed The Seven Deadly Sins for The Royal Ballet and in June he will direct Into the Woods for ROH2.   Dying For It, Moira Buffini's new adaptation of Nikolai Erdman's satirical comedy The Suicide, recently completed a hugely successful run at the Almeida, directed by Anna Mackmin.  Her other work includes Dinner which was performed at The National Theatre before transferring to the West End, Love Play at the Barbican - commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Gabriel for Soho Theatre, Silence – commissioned by The National Theatre Studio and presented by Birmingham Rep and Doomsday Girl, also presented by the RSC.  Her film work includes Gabriel and Northern Soul.   Marianne Dreams is recommended for children of 7 years and above.   LISTINGS INFORMATION   Almeida Access Line 020 7288 4999 or email access@almeida.co.uk   ADDRESS   Almeida Theatre, Almeida Street, Islington, London, N1 1TA           BOX OFFICE   Phone                                     020 7359 4404 (24 hour) In person                               10.00am – 7.30pm, Monday - Saturday On-line                                   www.almeida.co.uk Tickets                                    Marianne Dreams:  £29.50 - £6.00                                                 Family tickets and concessions available Booking:                                Priority Booking Almeida Supporters 31 May                                                 Public Booking opens 11 June    PERFORMANCES SCHEDULES Marianne Dreams:   16 January at 1pm 15, 22, 28, 29 December, 1, 5, 9, 12, 19 January at 2.30pm 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 27, 28, 29 December at 7pm 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 January at 7 pm 21, 26, 30 December and 6 January at 5.30pm