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Swallows & Amazons is this year's summer family show at York Theatre Royal
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Published at 11:10am 13th June 2019. (Updated at 11:11am 13th June 2019)
A production of Arthur Ransome's children's classic 'Swallows & Amazons' will be taking to the stage of York Theatre Royal from next month, as this year's summer family show.
It follows last year's successful production of The Secret Garden.
Damian Cruden, in his final production after 22 years as York Theatre Royal’s Artistic Director, co-directs the production with Artistic Associate John R. Wilkinson.
Damien said:
“I’m looking forward to working on this script with a talented group of artists, that my last show for YTR is for families seems appropriate."
The story tells of the Walker and Blackett children’s adventurous school holiday in the Lake District as they set sail for adventure. The Swallows – John, Susan, Titty and Roger – sail to Wildcat Island and meet Nancy and Peggy, the self-proclaimed Amazon Pirates, and the dastardly Captain Flint.
Ransome’s story has been adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson whose other literary adaptations include Anna Karenina, Mill On the Floss, War and Peace, Coram Boy and Therese Raquin.
The production features music by Neil Hannon, from The Divine Comedy. His original demos for Swallows & Amazons are being released for the first time on the limited edition deluxe CD of The Divine Comedy’s new album Office Politics.
The production marks a homecoming for cast member Laura Soper, a former member of YTR Youth Theatre who has appeared in main house productions The Legend of King Arthur and Peter Pan, both directed by Damian Cruden. She played Eve in the 2012 York Mystery Plays and Viola in Twelfth Night for York Shakespeare Project.
She trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Swallows & Amazons marks her debut at York Theatre Royal as a professional actor.
Laura said:
“Being in Swallows & Amazons feels really special – it’s my first professional role at the theatre. The book is one of my absolute favourites which is one reason I am so excited to being doing it. I just love everything about it. We go to the Lake District every year on holiday with my family so I just feel so connected to the story.
“I really like how it doesn’t patronise children. It gives them the time and space to tell their story and I love how Arthur Ransome takes it so seriously. For them it’s a big deal, a proper adventure however childish and silly it may seem from an adult point of view.”
Other Swallows & Amazons events include a Swallows vs Amazons Challenge every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 1 to 2pm in the Studio from 31 July. Are you a Swallow? Or an Amazon? Pick your tribe and pit your wits, skills and creativity against each other in a drama challenge. There will be dressing up, theatre games and a chance to learn more about the Swallows & Amazons story. The workshop is for 7 to 11 year olds.
At the other end of the age range, a 65+ workshop on Wednesday 31 July will deliver a Director’s Masterclass for those wanting to discover how theatre directors prepare to create a new production. Swallows & Amazons co-director John R Wilkinson will be explaining what a theatre director really does. Visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk for further information.
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