Cyrano - Northern Broadsides - Tour

[showgirl]

Haven't found a thread for this "swashbuckling tale of unrequited love set in the golden age of musketeers", but the reviews I've read so far have all been raves and it's quite a long and widespread tour, so I'm sure some here will have seen the production or have planned to.  Currently in Watford, the closest venue to London for anyone in the south-east who would like to catch it. (20 mins from Euston by fast train; theatre less than 10 mins' brisk walk straight along the road.)


I'm a great fan of Northern Broadsides though I don't manage to fit in everything they do; I was disappointed not to manage to see last year's production of "When We Are Married", though I had seen another not that long before and one of the downsides of their choices - for privileged frequent theatregoers - is that the company inevitably chooses plays/shows likely to have a wide appeal, so possibly familiar to some of their potential audience.

Will report back once I've seen this.

[oxfordsimon]

It is a difficult show to sustain. In modern times, it has been a tough sell to audiences without a big name in the title role.

The quality of the new adaptation is key. I have been in 2 productions of the Burgess and it just doesn't have the drive necessary to sustain such a long run time.

I might catch it in Oxford - but can't say there is anything that is drawing me towards it.

[Deleted]

This is a new adaptation by Deborah McAndrew who wrote An August Bank Holiday Lark, winner of the 2014 UK Theatre Award for Best New Play, also for Northern Broadsides. I'd say that the main draw to this show is a love of Northern Broadsides. They return to most of their touring venues twice a year and there is no other UK theatre company quite like them.

[showgirl]

This was a typically entertaining Northern Broadsides show, with excellent ensemble work (cast of 13), enhanced by musical interludes. It took time to get going - the running time is about 2 hours 45 - but drew me in gradually as the plot developed, reaching a touching conclusion.

[showgirl]

Remaining tour dates

March 14-25, Liverpool Playhouse
March 28 – April 1, The Dukes, Lancaster
April 4-8, Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough
April 11-15, York Theatre Royal
April 18-22, The Lowry, Salford Quays
April 25-29, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
May 2-6, Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds
May 9-13, The Viaduct Theatre, Halifax
May 16-20, Derby Theatre
May 23-27, Oxford Playhouse

[oxfordsimon]

I just checked the sales for the final week of the tour here in Oxford. Currently looking sub 20% sold - got to feel for the cast in situations like this. Must be pretty hard work to go out to such small audiences.