In a press statement, artistic director Daniel Evans commented, "I'm delighted that our new season sees the Studio given over entirely to new work – two plays and a brand new musical, while in the Crucible Theatre we produce two masterpieces by titans of the English theatre, D.H Lawrence and Alan Bennett. I'm also thrilled to welcome Clare Lizzimore and Michael Longhurst, two of the most exciting directors of their generation, to the Crucible – alongside one of my associate directors Paul Miller, whose production of Democracy transferred to the Old Vic Theatre earlier this year. Finally, I feel honoured to be able to collaborate with two of the most popular writers of our time, Tim Firth and Simon Beaufoy, both of whom seem able to make us laugh and cry in equal measure."
Full casting has also been announced for the Christmas production of My Fair Lady that begins performances Dec. 12 prior to an official opening Dec. 18, for a run through Jan. 26, 2013, in the mainhouse Crucible Theatre. Joining the previously announced Carly Bawden as Eliza Doolittle and Dominic West as Professor Higgins are Chris Bennett (Harry), Anthony Calf (Colonel Pickering), Richenda Carey (Mrs. Higgins), Martyn Ellis (Alfred Doolittle), Joanna Lee Martin (Mrs. Hopkins), Louis Maskell (Freddy Eynsford-Hill), Laura Medforth (Mrs Eynsford-Hill), Carl Sanderson (Jamie) and Nicola Sloane (Mrs. Pearce), with an ensemble that comprises Carly Anderson, Nick Butcher, Matthew Clark, John Coates, Adam Dutton, Emily Goodenough, Victoria Hinde, Adam Jones, Matthew Malthouse, Stephen Whitson and Anna Woodside.
In the Lyceum, the previously announced production of Simon Beaufoy's new play The Full Monty, based on his award-winning screenplay for the film of the same name, begins performances Feb. 2, prior to an official opening Feb. 18, for a run through Feb. 23 prior to a national tour. Directed by Daniel Evans, the previously announced cast is led by Kenny Doughty, Simon Rousae, Keiran O'Brien, Roger Morlidge and Sidney Cole, with Russell Anthony, Scott Anson, Tracy Brabin, Caroline Carver, Eamonn Fleming, Elaine Glover, Rachel Lumberg, Ian Mercer and Michael Skyers.
In the Crucible Studio, Clare Lizzimore directs the world premiere of Mike Bartlett's Bull, beginning performances Feb. 6 prior to an official opening Feb. 11, for a run through Feb. 23. It is described in press materials as a "play about office politics or playground bullying - depending which side you're on." Also in the Studio, Daniel Evans will direct This Is My Family, a new musical comedy by Tim Firth that begins performances June 19 prior to an official opening June 24, for a run through July 20. The cast will comprise Bill Champion, Janie Dee, Evelyn Hoskins, Terence Keeley, Rachel Lumberg and Sian Phillips.
In the main house Crucible Theatre, Paul Miller will direct Lynda Baron and Claire Price in DH Lawrence's The Daughter-in-Law, beginning performances Feb. 27 prior to an official opening March 4, for a run through March 23. It will be followed by a new production of Alan Bennett's The History Boys, beginning performances May 16 prior to an official opening May 22, for a run through June 8, under the direction of Michael Longhurst. To book tickets, contact the box office on 0114 249 6000, or visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk for more details.
