PIPPIN
The Menier Chocolate Factory is presenting the Stephen Schwartz and Roger O Hirson musical Pippin over the Christmas period.
Schwartz's credits include Wicked! which is currently running at the Apollo Victoria, Godspell (which is about to be revived on Broadway), The Baker's Wife, Rags, Working and Children of Eden.
Bob Fosse directed the original 1972 Broadway production and also contributed to the libretto.
Pippin uses the premise of a mysterious acting troupe (via its leading player) to tell the story of Pippin who is a young prince and heir to the throne of Charlemagne as he searches for beauty, glory and fame. On his journey he has to come to grips with lust, sex, war, politics and religion.
It ran London's West End for 85 performances at Her Majesty's Theatre in 1973. Bob Fosse was the director and choreographer of a London cast including Patricia Hodge/Catherine: Diane Langton/Fastrada: Elisabeth Welch/Berthe and Paul Jones as Pippin.
The cast at the Menier includes Harry Hepple (The 25th Annual Puttman Country Spelling Bee at the Donmar) will be playing Pippin. Ian Kelsey (Blue Murder, Where the Heart Is, Down to Earth, Casualty and Emmerdale) is Charlemagne: Matt Rawle ( Zorro at the Garrick and Che in Evita at the Adelphi) will be the Leading Player: Frances Ruffelle plays Fastrada ( created the role of Eponine in Les Miserables).
Caroline Quentin has been playing playing Pippin's grandmother Berthe from January 10th-22nd: Gay Soper will take over the role for one week from January 24th-29th. Josie Lawrence joins the production for a one-week run from February 7th and Louise Gold returns to the role of Berthe for the final two weeks of the musical’s run from 14th-25th February.
The cast also includes Carly Bawden, (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg Gielgud): Stuart Neal (La Cage Aux Folles - Playhouse Theatre, Piaf - Donmar and The Lord of the Rings - Theatre Royal, Drury Lane) and David Page (Chicago - Cambridge Theatre).
The will be joined by Ben Bunce, Bob Harms, Holly James, Anabel Kutay, David McMullan and Kate Tydman.
Numbers include Corner of the Sky, Welcome Home, No Time at All,With You, Spread a Little Sunshine and Morning Glow.
Pippin will be directed and choregraphed at the Menier by Mitch Sebastian whose musical theatre credits include include choreography and direction of The Ratpack Live from Las Vegas, The Pirates of Penzance, Oklahoma! and the Little Shop of Horrors. He started his career as a dancer and has appeared in a number of West End shows
THIS PRODUCTION CLOSED ON 26TH FEBRUARY 2012
HOW TO GET TO MENIER CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Menier Chocolate Factory
53 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU
Click on map to enlarge image
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Tube: London Bridge (Borough High Street exit) - Jubilee & Northern Lines |
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RV1 and 381 |
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Parking on single yellow lines available after 18:30 and all day at weekends |
DISABLED ACCESS TO MENIER
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Customers with visual or hearing impairments qualify for concession rates for themselves plus a companion. There is no infra red or loop system, but the size of the venue means you can sit only a few feet away from performers |
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Guide dogs are permitted inside the auditorium |
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Wheelchair access into the building is via the main entrance on Southwark Street. The theatre can take one wheelchair per performance, located at the front of the auditorium with an excellent view of the stage. There will always be at least one space available next to the wheelchair space for a companion. |
