The Original Theatre Company

News

08 March 2010 - Journey's End extends

We are delighted to announce that due to overwhelming demand, we have booked a further 4 performances of Journey's End into the main house at The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford. Tickets will be on sale shortly, click here to visit their webiste and book tickets

This week Journey's End is playing to packed house iin Loughbrough and The Gala Theatre in Durham having last week enjoyed a delightful few days in Portsmouth at The Kings Theatre. If you have watched the show, please do email us your feedback as we are keen to know what you think.

08 March 2010 - Simon Ward announced as George III

CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT

Simon Ward has been announced to play King George III in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of The Madness of George III by Alan Bennett.

Simon Ward was born in Beckenham, Kent, near London, the son of a car dealer. From an early age he wanted to be an actor. He was educated at Alleyn's School, London, the home of the National Youth Theatre, which he joined at age 13 and stayed with for eight years. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, he made his professional stage debut with the Northampton Repertory in 1963 and his London theatrical bow one year later in The 4th of June. After the Royal Academy, he worked in repertory in Northampton, Birmingham and Oxford and occasionally in London's West End. His big break in theatre came in 1967 when he played in Joe Orton's Loot, which led to a number of small film and television roles. All of Ward's major film roles were in the 1970s. He starred with some of the finest actors and directors of the time and in some of the most prestigious and popular films made during that decade. Persistent rumours suggest his first film appearance was an uncredited role as one of the sociopathic students in Lindsay Anderson's If.... (1968), however this is not true.
In 1972, he played the title role of Winston Churchill in Young Winston. The following year he played the Duke of Buckingham in Richard Lester's The Three Musketeers (1973) and The Four Musketeers (1974). He played Lt. William Vereker in the 1979 film Zulu Dawn. He was also seen as a fictional Nazi functionary (the sympathetic one, with whom the audience is supposed to identify) in Hitler: The Last Ten Days (1973). Later film roles included author/veterinarian James Herriot in All Creatures Great and Small (1974) and Zor-El in Supergirl (1984).Simon Ward had a major role in the Ralph Fiennes version of Wuthering Heights made in the early 1990s, which also starred Ward's daughter, Sophie Ward. In 1995, he took over Stephen Fry's role in Cell Mates. He appeared as Sir Monty Everard in the BBC television series Judge John Deed and as Bishop Stephen Gardiner in The Tudors. He will be heavily featured in the next season of The Tudors.

The Madness of George III is touring in the Autumn 2010.

Additional casting to be announced.

28 January 2010 - Four stars from The Times for Journey's End

Journey's End opened on Tuesday night in Basingstoke to rave reviews from audiences and critics alike.

Dont miss this fantastic piece of drama.Click here to read the review from The Times

25 January 2010 - Opening Night for Journey's End

We are well into our dress rehearsals now for Journey's End, the Haymarket Theatre in Basingstoke is buzzing wuth activity.

The show as pick of the week in The Guardian this week href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2010/jan/23/theatre-previews-the-guide">click here to read the preview

The production opens tommorrow evening 26th January at THe Haymarket Theatre in Basingstoke.

18 January 2010 - Journey's End opens next week

Our production of Journey’s End opens this week at The Haymarket theatre in Basingstoke. Starring Graham Seed, Christopher Harper and Adam Best this is our largest production to date. To book tickets please click here click here

04 December 2009 - The OTC wins Stage One Young Producers' Bursary

We are delighted to announce that The Original Theatre Company has won the Stage One Young Producers' Bursary, which is awarded by a group of top London theatre producers.

Read more at:

http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/Bursary-boosts-Bury-St-Edmundsbased.5882289.jp

03 December 2009 - Stage One Bursary

We are delighted to announce that Alastair Whatley Creative Director has just been award the prestigious Stage One Bursary, to find out more about the bursary award please clickhere

The award will be put to work immediatley in the run up to the opening of our forthcoming production of Journey's End.

03 December 2009 - Othello Tour comes to an end

Othello ended ut's run in front of a packed house in Darlington last week.

We just wanted to extend our thanks to all those who came to watch over the past three months. The show recieved some wonderful feedback all over the country which is a real testatment to the hard work put in by all the cast and creative teams.

Our thoughts now turn to Journey's End which begins rehearsals on the 4th January in London. Roll on 2010.

12 October 2009 - Journey's End opening 26th January

We are delighted to announce that our forthcoming Spring Tour of Journey’s End will open at Basingstoke on the 26th January and then tour until May.

We will upload the full schedule in due course. In the mean time we are equally thrilled to welcome Graham Seed and Adam Best on board the production. Graham, known to many people through his extensive TV and Radio work will be playing the role of Osborne. Adam is well known for playing Matt Parker in Holby City and will be playing the role of Mason for us.

We are also delighted to welcome back Tom Hackney, who last worked for us on Shakespeare’s R&J and who will be playing Raleigh.

Further casting to be announced soon.

12 September 2009 - Othello opening

After over 5 weeks of rehearsal the cast and crew of Othello and gearing up to open at The Wilde Theatre at South Hill Park Arts Centre on Friday (18th September).

You can catch up with all the goings on from the company direct from actor Chris Dingli's blog (Chris is playing Iago) click here to read the blog.

Othello marks the largest production yet undertaken by the company with over 30 people working on it and nearly 30 tournig dates. Dont miss it.

06 August 2009 - Othello

We are delighted to announce (finally) our full cast list for Othello.

Nick Holbek will be joining a company that includes Vinta Morgan, Loren O'Dair, Christopher Dingli, Kate Colebrook, Laura Durrant and Charles de Bromhead. This has been our longest casting process ever and we are delighted to have found such a talented group to work with.

Finally we are equally delighted to announce that our Company Manager for the tour will be Zachary Holton.

Zachary has worked as a director, actor, lighting designer and of course stage manager for many years. Most recently he has directed Emma for Heartbreak productions but has also worked for Creation Theatre Company, Sheffiled Theatres and many others.

Othello will begin rehearsals in London on the 11th August and rehearse until the 17th September opening at The Wilde Theatre in Bracknell on the 18th September. We hope to see you at some point over the Autumn!

05 August 2009 - Autumn 2010 Production Announced

We are delighted to announce that our Autumn 2010 production will be Alan Bennett’s smash hit The Madness of George III. We will be teaming up again with The Icarus Theatre Collective and also Blackeyed Theatre Company for our most ambitious project to date. Check back soon for more information!

05 August 2009 - Othello Rehearsals

Othello starts rehearsals in London on the 11th August, after literally months of casting we now have a wonderful group of actor musicians, check our Productions page to find out more about the show and the cast. The production opens at South Hill Park on the 18th September and will tour thousands of miles around the UK until the 25th November.

08 July 2009 - We are recruiting!

We are currently offering two job posts for our Autumn touring production of Othello. We require a Stage Manager and a Touring Workshop Leader.

> View Stage Manager job details

> View Touring Workshop Leader job details

08 June 2009 - Play of they Year...A not-to-be missed treat

Vincent in Brixton has opened its run in Eastbourne to rave reviews. Click here to read them in full. You still have time to catch the show in Eastbourne until Saturday and then from 22nd-24th May at The Theatre Royal Windsor, click here to book tickets.

25 May 2009 - Vincent in Brixton re-opens in Guildford this week

Vincent in Brixton resumes it's tour of the UK with a week of performances at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford.

We are delighted to welcome Emma Vane into the cast who will be playing the matinee shows at Guildford this week in the role of Eugenie before taking on the role full time for the duration of the run.

Tickets are available please visit Yvonne Arnaud website to book tickets.

06 May 2009 - First leg of Vincent in Brixton tour draws to a close

19 performance, 3000 miles and over 2500 audience members later we have completed our first leg of our production of Vincent in Brixton.

Thank you to everyone who came and watched and provided us with such warm feedback. The cast and crew are now taking a much deserved few weeks off to recuperate before we re-rehearse the show in prepartaion for the extended run in Guildford, Eastbourne and Windsor.

Tickets are on sale now, so if you haven't caught it, do catch it in one of these three lovely theatres.

01 April 2009 - Vincent in Brixton on tour

After a well earned week off, Vincent in Brixton is back on the road next week for performances in Buxton at The Buxton Opera House and also in Woodbridge at The Seckford Theatre.

.Click here for infomation the performance in Buxton

Click here for details on our only East Anglian date in Woodbridge

The show has also been extended again a further week at Theatre Royal Windsor from the 22nd-28th June.

The good reviews keep coming in, keep an eye on them here.

Tickets have now gone on sale at all extension venues so do book early to avoid any dissapointment as they are already selling fast.

Click here for tickets for The Yvonne Arnaud , Guildford
Click here for tickets and infomation on The Devonshire Park Theatre run.

We look forward to seeing you over the next few weeks

18 March 2009 - Mallard begins Development week

Oliver Nias' play Mallard begins it's development week at South Hill Park Arts Centre this Friday (20th March) culminating in a work in progress showing at The Arts Centre's Studio Theatre on the 27th March.

There are a limited number of free tickets available for this showing, so please email alastair@originaltheatre.com to resreve your free seats.

Mallard will transfer into London later in the year.

Watch this space for photos and more details very soon.

09 March 2009 - Vincent In Brixton tour extended

Our current production Vincent in Brixton which opens this coming Thursday (12th March) has just had its tour extended to include The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford and The Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne.

You can catch the show in at The Yvonne Arnaud from the 26th-30th May in Guildford and from the 1st-6th June at The Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne.

20 February 2009 - London Showing announced for Mallard

We are delighted to announce a one night showing of Oliver Nias’ new play ‘Mallard’ will be given its first showing at The Jerwood Vanbrugh Theatre on the 27th March. We are all incredibly excited about this new play, tickets will be on sale soon from The RADA box office, so watch this space for more details.

Cast:

Steven Pinder, Mitchell Mullen, Kieron Jechinnis, Catherine Bellamy and Mark Edel Hunt.

Click here to view the Production page.

20 February 2009 - Vincent Rehearsals begin

Rehearsals get under way this week for Vincent in Brixton, our set has been constructed in the rehearsal rooms and everything and everybody poised for three and half weeks of hard work. Tickets are now on sale for all venues so please do book in advance to avoid disappointment, please click here to visit the production page to find your nearest venue. In the mean time we will keep you updated of our progress and come back to check out some rehearsals pictures from our first week.

20 February 2009 - Journey’s End for 2010

We are delighted to announce that we will be launching a major revival of R.C.Sherriff’s ‘Journey’s End’, Touring from January to April 2010, the production again teams up with Anvil Arts, South Hill Park and The Icarus Theatre Collective. Watch this space for further announcements about the Creative Team, Casting and Touring dates.

26 January 2009 - Othello Tour announced

National Tour for Othello is announced

We are delighted to publish our touring schedule for our Autumn 2009 Touring Production of Othello which is presented in partnership with The Icarus Theatre Collective and South Hill Park Arts Centre.

We are thrilled to be returning to some old friends from previous tours whilst making first time visits to 7 new Theatres up and down the UK.

We still have a handful of dates remaining, so if you are interested in booking these dates, please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing Alastair

To see the schedule please click on the following link Othello Tour Schedule

16 December 2008 - Vincent in Brixton Casting

Vincent in Brixton (Stage)
Nicholas Wright's Olivier Award winning play charting the life and loves of a young Vincent Van Gogh is touring the UK March-May 2009.

Payment terms:
£1000 for rehearsal period and first couple performances from 10 February for four weeks.
£300 plus £150 touring allowance (this figure includes accommodation)

www.originaltheatre.com
www.icarustheatre.co.uk

Company:
The Original Theatre Company, Anvil Arts, South Hill Park Arts Centre and The Icarus Theatre Collective

Producer:
Alastair Whatley

Director:
Max Lewendel

Casting Director:
Max Lewendel

Location:
National, mid-scale touring venues

Dates (Rehearsal, etc.):
February 2009 (rehearsals)
Touring March - May 2009

Casting Details:
Late October, probably Pimlico. First round casting involves speeches and recalls involve sides.

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Role:
Vincent van Gogh (Male)

Description:
DUTCH, 20 years old, nervous, young art dealer who becomes the great painter. Falls in love with Ursula.

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Role:
Eugenie (Female)

Description:
20 years old, beautiful, Ingénue. Daughter of Ursula.

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Role:
Anna (Female)

Description:
DUTCH, 18 years old, Christian. Energetic, loves to clean. Sister to Vincent.

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Role:
Sam (Male)

Description:
Early 20s, passionate, articulate. Fiance to Eugenie. Struggling painter.

08 December 2008 - 2009/2010 Programme announced

Our programme for the next few years is confirmed. The next two years looks set to be a very busy time for the Original Theatre Company! Shakespeare, modern classics and world premieres of new writing combine to form the company’s most ambitious programme of work to date.

The Marble Palace, world premiere coming in 2009
by Nick Huntington

In a darkened basement of a pub, brothers Adam and Amos have got caught something. They’ve stored it in the freezer for safe keeping. But what they’ve caught is too dangerous to stay hidden for long. Exploring and exposing the brutal and uncomfortable truths behind British race relations. The Marble Palace is a piercing, blackly comic and viciously obscene new piece of writing. More details to follow soon.

Mallard, world premiere opening mid 2009
by Oliver Nias

Examining the dangers and nature of myth, Mallard is a play that sees in the New Year but spans a decade.

Leland, an editor who had published Al Foxton’s ground‐breaking novel ten years ago, is called by his reclusive old client and is asked if he would write his biography. Leland passes the task on to his biographer, Scott.

The breadth of the mystery surrounding Al Foxton unfolds as both Leland and work‐partner, Diane, stir Scott’s mind with rumour and reportage. Why was Foxton sent to an asylum? Did he murder his parents? Why title his novel ‘Mallard’…? Scott has one night with Foxton, and one hell of an opportunity to find out.

Norfolk’s Rose, touring Autumn 2009
by Bart Lee
Produced with Bart Lee Theatre and in association with South Hill Park Arts Centre.

Directed by Bart Lee

When young enthusiast George Norfolk and his hero, the master storyteller, James Grant board a train bound for an old inn in Norfolk to work on a new story, one man hides his true intent from the other, leading to a deadly standoff. Guaranteed to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, Norfolk's Rose tells the chilling tale of a childhood lost, murder, and betrayal. See www.norfolksrose.co.uk for more details.

Journey’s End, Winter 2010
by R.C.Sherriff

Directed by Alastair Whatley, Designed by Victoria Spearing, Lighting by Alan Valentine

A co-production with Anvil Arts, South Hill Park and The Icarus Theatre Collective

Stanhope is hailed by his men as one of the best in the company Captains in the army. But after three years on the front line he is nervous and exhausted. As Stanhope and his officers sit in their dugout awaiting attack the full horrors and futility of trench warfare in the First World War unfolds. R.C.Sherriff’s timeless masterpiece is booking to theatres now...

28 October 2008 - End of the Road for R&J

After nearly six months on the road, our current touring ProductionShakespeare's R&J will reach its conclusion at The New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth on the 6th November.

Before that you can catch us in Basingstoke on Tuesday 4th November at either 1.30pm or 7,30pm at The Haymarket Theatre.

We finsihed our East Anglian leg of the tour with a wonderful reception in Norwich at The Playhouse where we played to packed houses last week. Our thanks go to all our audiences, the schools who came to watch and especially those with whom we worked in the workshop sessions.

Special thanks should go to Roberta and all the START award team, the schools, teachers and education dept at The Playhouse who managed to get in 600+ young people to watch the show over two matinee days. To those who came and partcipated in the START progranne we really hope you enjoyed the show.

Do check out our review from The Eastern Daily Press in the reviews section of the webpage.

15 September 2008 - Goodbye Bracknell- Hello Margate

After seven great shows at The Wilde Theatre in Bracknell the team are about to head off Margate on the second leg of our national tour. Other dates this week include the brand new Cornerstone Theatre in Didcot and Upp The Arts in Rutland.

The local press and audience feedback was fantastic, The Bracknell Standard said,

"This Compelling, captivating production really should be seen. Go along-your inner 13 year-old will thank you. Juliet-Bravo for a fine reworking"

The Bracknell News were also excited...

"...and Excellant and interesting version of the clasiic, well worth going to see"

Please check out the productions for more tour dates.

01 September 2008 - R&J Autumn Tour opens this week

After a few weeks respite, the R&J team have reassembled at South Hill Park Arts Centre in Bracknell for the opening of our Autumn Tour this coming Friday (5th September)

After a great two weeks in London and a month touring the inn yards and gardens of England we are all looking forward to the next few months.

You can check out our touring schedule by clicking on the productions tab, alongside the production, many of the theatres are also runniing talk outs, workshops and masterclasses for all ages, so please do take advantage.

Looking forward to seeing you over the next few months.

03 August 2008 - Great reviews in the press for R&J

Reviews for Shakespeare's R&J keep coming in, thanks for all those of who came along and caught us at The Southwark Playhouse- and if you happened to miss us then check out the site in a few days time when our full touring schedule for The Autumn tour of R&J is published.

"If you see just one Shakespearean play this year, make this one"-Nina Romain
as features on Whatsonstage.com *****

read the review in full by clicking here

"Art imitates life and life is enriched by the power of theatre...as Alastair Whatley's production casts new light on this most romantic of plays"
Michael Stewart, The Morning Star, 30th July 2008
read the full review by clicking here

30 July 2008 - Reviews for Shakespeare's R+J

From The Metro 28th July 2008,

Metro Review

From Music OMH

Music OMH review 24th July 2008

From Whatsonestage

Whastonestage Reviews

Some audience feedback from London

"I just wanted to contact you to say that I saw Shakespeare's R&J at The Southwark Playhouse last night, and thought it was fantastic. It's been a long time since I saw a production that still had me thinking about it the day after. I thought it was original and incredibly moving."

We still have a few tickets for the remaining performances running until 2nd August. Dont miss it.

23 July 2008 - 5* Review

Further to our opening night at Suthwark we have picked up our first review

to see it please click on the link below

Remote Goat 5* review

20 July 2008 - R&J: Top Five Theatre-Benedict Nightingale The Times

We are currently in the middle of our technical rehearsals for our Suthwark Playhouse on this coming Monday (21st July).

Benedict Nightigale, reviewer from The Times has featured as one of the top five pieces of Theatre this week. So dont miss your chance to catch the show in London before we set off on our national tour.

A few £7 tickets remain on a couple of days, b>so book your tickets now to get the best deal

The Times Pick of The Week article

25 June 2008 - London Run Announced

Tickets are now on sale for our London Run at The Southwark Playhouse from 21st July-2nd August.

Advance tickets are available from as little as £7, check out our production page and also The Southwark Playhouse or click the link below to buy tickets online:

> Visit Southwark Playhouse

> Buy Tickets

17 June 2008 - R+J Opening night

After a very intensive, exciting rehearsal period. Shakespeare's R+Jwill open tommorrow (Wednesday) night in the pituresque surroundings of Kitley House Hotel near Plymouth.

Please check the productions page to see when the show is touring to a town near you. It is thrilling show and the whole team have worked incredibly hard to make it happen, and we are looking now looking forward to opening night and beyond. Tickets are now on sale for our run at The Southwark Playhouse so do book now whilst they are only £7.

Looking forward to seeing you on the road!

30 May 2008 - Tickets now on sale for Summer performances

We are delighted to announce that booking is now underway for our summer productions of Shakespeare's R+J by Joe Calarco.

Please visit the productions page to find out how to book. www.originaltheatre.com/productions

Book early to avoid dissapointment

19 May 2008 - London Run for R+J

We are delighted to announce that we will be taking R+J to the Southwark Playhouse for a two week run from the 21st July-2nd August.

Tickets will be on sale soon, so please do book early to take advantage of the fantastic early £7 ticket deals. Use this link to take you direct to Southwark's website.

15 May 2008 - Casting complete for R+J

After a long and exciting audition process we are proud to announce the casting of our forthcoming tour of Shakespeare's R+J by Joe Calarco.

STUDENT ONE- CHRIS HOGBEN
STUDENT TWO- TOM HACKNEY
STUDENT THREE- CRAIG GILBERT
STUDENT FOUR- SAM DONNELLY

The team would like to thank all those who applied and especially all those who auditioned. We were amazed at the level of talent we saw, and hope that some of those auditioned get to catch the production.

© 2010 The Original Theatre Company, a not for profit company (No. 5383014)