As part of the National Theatre's announcement of its wide-ranging plans for the next year, there are two productions that are cause for major excitement amongst musical lovers: a star-studded revival of Sondheim's FOLLIES and a world premiere stage adaptation of PINOCCHIO directed by John Tiffany (Once, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child)...
Further casting has now been announced for FOLLIES, which will open in the National's Olivier Theatre in August, and initial details for PINOCCHIO, which will be a major family Christmas production, opening in the Lyttelton in December. Exact dates have still to be announced for both, but here are the basics we know so far.
FOLLIES
Further casting has been announced for FOLLIES, which will be directed by Dominic Cooke, book by James Goldman and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Joining Imelda Staunton will be Dame Josephine Barstow, Tracie Bennett, Janie Dee, Peter Forbes and Phillip Quast. Design will be by Vicki Mortimer, choreography by Bill Deamer, musical supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck, orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, musical direction by Nigel Lilley, lighting design by Paule Constable and sound design by Paul Groothuis. Opening in August 2017.
PINOCCHIO
John Tiffany directs the world premiere of PINOCCHIO by Dennis Kelly (Matilda), with songs and score from the Walt Disney film by Leigh Harline, Ned Washington and Paul J. Smith newly adapted by Martin Lowe. With design and puppet co-design by Bob Crowley, lighting design by Paule Constable, music supervision, orchestrations and additional music by Martin Lowe, choreography by Steven Hoggett, puppet co-design and puppetry direction by Toby Olié, sound design by Simon Baker and illusions by Jamie Harrison. Presented by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions. Opening in the Lyttelton in December 2017.
