Sunday 11 December 2011
New Brighton Theatre Company Sets Its Sights On The West End
Even in these times of endless austerity, talent still manages to shine through. In this case it's thanks to an all new theatre company, Theatre Royal Brighton Productions.
Arriving courtesy of the Ambassador Theatre Group the new company will present classic drama both on tour and in the West End.
Theatre Royal Brighton Productions will present three plays during its first year, beginning in May 2012, with each production opening at Theatre Royal Brighton before going on a nationwide tour of the country's best playhouses and then to London.
The intention is to deliver the highest quality theatre with the cream of British talent in established, and, on occasion, rarely seen plays.
The new company will come under the under the Artistic Direction of Christopher Luscombe, with Associate Directors Maria Aitken and Philip Franks.
Christopher Luscombe says of the new company: "I'm delighted to have this opportunity to create shows for one of my favourite theatres.
"All actors and directors have a fondness for the Theatre Royal Brighton, and the distinctive magic of both the playhouse and the city.
"Brighton has a great tradition for outstanding theatre, and we hope to build on it. I can"t wait to get started."
Christopher began his career as an actor, his work including seven years with the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as appearances at the National Theatre and in the West End.
Maria Aitken has played leading roles for the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre and the Old Vic, and has starred in more Noël Coward plays on the West End stage than any other actress.
Philip Franks is best known for his starring roles in television series The Darling Buds of May and Heartbeat.
In theatre, he divides his time equally between acting and directing.
Theatre Royal Brighton, with a rich and varied history spanning 200 years, is one of the country's best loved playhouses.
Theatre Royal Brighton Productions will be produced by Howard Panter, Adam Speers and Evanna White for Ambassador Theatre Group. See www.atgtickets.com/brighton for more details.
by: Mike Cobley
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Maria Aitken, Philip Franks & Christopher Luscombe - GFG Photography
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