Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller, North by Northwest, runs at the Liverpool Playhouse in a brand-new adaptation by Wise Children’s Emma Rice, from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 May.
North By Northwest tells the story of Roger Thornhill, who’s mistimed call to his mother lands him in the middle of a Cold War conspiracy. On the run, he’s dodging spies, planes, and a mysterious femme fatale.
Theatre legend Emma Rice takes on film icon Alfred Hitchcock in this riotously funny reworking that turns the original thriller on its head. With just six shape-shifting performers, a fabulous ‘50s soundtrack and a LOT of suitcases, this dazzling production plays with the heart, mind and soul. Join us for a night of glamour, romance, jeopardy and a liberal sprinkling of tender truths.
Emma Rice was named in the Sky Arts Top 50 most influential British artists. She was with Kneehigh Theatre for 20 years as an actor, director, and later artistic director, working alongside co-artistic director Mike Shepherd. From 2016 to 2018, she served as Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe before founding her own touring theatre company, Wise Children. The company has toured all over the world, and this will be their first visit to Liverpool.
Emma Rice, director of North by Northwest said:
“There is so much humour in the film; it wasn’t hard to uncover. Cary Grant is hilarious, and his swagger cuts a ticklish dash throughout. However, the humour of this production really comes from the six incredible performers I have brought together. Their virtuosic skills take my breath away as they change character, weave theatre magic and find the humanity in all they do. We are laughing and smiling from the beginning of the day to the end – it is a rare treat.”
Roger Thornhill is played by Ewan Wardrop (A Monster Calls, UK tour, US tour), and Phillip Vandamm by Karl Queensborough (Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre). Patrycja Kujawska (The Tin Drum, Kneehigh) takes on the role of Eve Kendall, and Mirabelle Gremaud (Peter Pan, Birmingham Rep) plays Anna. Both previously appeared in the acclaimed production Wise Children by the company of the same name. Katy Owen returned to the company to play The Professor, she previously appeared in The Buddha of Suburbia, Blue Beard, and Wuthering Heights, all produced by Wise Children. Rounding out the cast is Simon Oskarsson (Hadestown, Lyric Theatre) as Valerian.
Joining Emma Rice in the creative team are Set and Costume Designer Rob Howell; Sound Designer Simon Baker; Lighting Designer Malcolm Rippeth; Choreographer and Movement Director Etta Murfitt; and Creative Consultant Mark Kaufman.
Alongside the tour, Wise Children is also holding a Technical Taster Workshop on Wednesday 21 May for the next generation of theatre-makers, and a Teacher and Educator CPD Workshop on Thursday 22 May for teachers, educators, lecturers, facilitators, and youth theatre leaders. The session focuses on multidisciplinary techniques that foster creativity, collaboration, and ensemble storytelling.
North by Northwest is a co-production between Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, Wise Children, York Theatre Royal, and HOME Manchester. There will be a captioned performance on the evening of Wednesday 21 May, followed by a post-show Q&A. North by Northwest runs from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 May, with ticket prices ranging from £11 to £36. Tickets are available at www.everymanplayhouse.com/event/north-by-northwest
Categories: News | Theatre & Performance
