Wood's New Version Of Her Play TALENT Previews At Menier Chocolate Factory 9/17, Runs Through 11/14

Victoria Wood is to direct a new version of her play Talent, a comedy with songs, previewing at the Menier Chocolate Factory from 17 September with press night on 23 September, and running until 14 November. With original music and lyrics by Victoria Wood, set designs by Roger Glossop, lighting by Paul Anderson, sound by David Ogilvy and musical supervision by Nigel Lilley, tickets for Talent will go on sale today at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Talent is co-produced with the Old Laundry Theatre, Bowness, where from 27 August - 12 September the show will run for 15 performances.

It's talent night at Bunter's niteclub, and contestant Julie and her fat friend Maureen are waiting backstage. As they are plunged into a world of ukulele-wielding pensioners, crotch-grabbing comperes and some long- buried personal history, Julie and Maureen have to decide how lucky they really want to be.

Originally commissioned by David Leland for the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, Talent was first performed in 1978 with a cast comprising Hazel Clyne, Victoria Wood, Roger Sloman, Bill Stewart, Eric Richard and Peter Ellis. After much acclaim, winning Wood the Evening Standard award for Most Promising Playwright, the production transferred to the ICA, London, in 1979. The same year a television adaptation was broadcast which saw Victoria Wood and Julie Walters perform together on screen for the first time, winning Wood another Most Promising Writer Award and a BAFTA nomination.

Victoria Wood is a stand up comedian and writer. Wood's career began with her winning the ITV talent show New Faces in 1974 and has since spanned over 3 decades. She has won more BAFTA's for her writing and performing than anyone else in BAFTA history. Wood's vast body of work includes Victoria Wood as Seen on TV, An Audience with Victoria Wood, Pat and Margaret, dinnerladies and Housewife, 49. In 2007 Wood directed a new version of Acorn Antiques: The Musical! which originally opened at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2005, directed by Trevor Nunn.

The Old Laundry opened in 1992 with a production of Time of Our Life, written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn and has since then welcomed the Stephen Joseph Theatre for sixteen of its
seventeen years. The Old Laundry is supported by enthusiastic trustees including Victoria Wood, Alan Rickman and Griff Rhys Jones, who have all performed at the theatre. The Old Laundry is largely a receiving house for a wide range of high quality performances, ranging from classical and folk music to stand-up comedy and theatre. Roger Glossop is founder and director.

Under the direction of Artistic Director David Babani, the Menier Chocolate Factory, as well as producing in SE1 at its home theatre, has transferred seven productions to the West End - most recently La Cage aux Folles which is currently playing at The Playhouse Theatre and A Little Night Music which opened at the Garrick Theatre in April. As well as the theatre space, the multi- award-winning Menier Chocolate Factory has a restaurant serving pre-theatre and a la carte menus.

Tickets: Previews 17 - 22 September
Tues-Sat at 8pm; Sat and Sun 3.30pm £20
Meal Deal (limited availability, 2 courses pre-theatre plus show) £29

From 23 September
Tues-Sat at 8pm; Sat and Sun 3.30pm £25 (Concessions £20)
Meal Deal (limited availability, 2 courses pre-theatre plus show)
£34 all performances
£2 transaction fee on phone bookings

Box Office: 0207 907 7060

Restaurant: 0207 407 4411

Address: 53 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU

Transport: London Bridge Tube, Borough High Street exit
RV1 and 381 buses
On street parking after 6.30pm or all day Saturday & Sunday

Website: www.menierchocolatefactory.com
No booking fee for on-line bookings

Old Laundry Theatre 27 August - 12 September 2009
www.oldlaundrytheatre.co.uk
Box Office: 015394 88444 ext 223

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