I know, I know . We’ve barely had two days of summer and here I am talking about the new Autumn/Winter season at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.
But I was lucky enough to get an invitation along to the press preview last week (I’m also the ‘Girl About Town’ for BBC Radio Leeds and you can hear me every month on the breakfast show with Andrew and Georgey), and so I thought I’d share with you a little sneak preview of what will be on offer.
Autumn is traditionally the time for harvesting, and the WYP certainly has a bumper crop on offer this year – all under the banner of Classics Uncovered.
I’m relieved to say they’re not branching out into Greek or Latin, but rather serving up some well-loved tales and productions – and sometimes told with a new take or twist.
I’m particularly intrigued by the new translation of The Caucasian Chalk Circle, not least because the writer of said translation, Alistair Beaton, has talked about finding the “humour in Brecht”.
Hey, I’m always one for keeping an open mind and Alistair was so passionate about the play that I’m definitely going to pop along when it opens on 25th September.
Other gems for the season include Dial M for Murder and a whole selection of comedy nights including famous names such as Clive James, Alistair McGowan and Marcus Brigstocke.
Whilst I’m very much with the “I refuse to participate in a recession” way of thinking, it’s probably safe to say that we could all do with a few laughs right now, so you’ll find me at the front of the queue for tickets to these special ‘One Night Stands’ – that’s as in ‘Stand-Up Comedy’, before my Mum gets worried.
Last but not least I was thrilled to get a sneak preview of the music from this year’s main Christmas production – The Secret Garden – and to find out more about the latest in the WYP’s series of ‘Big Stories for Little People’, aimed at those aged 4 and above (not Lilliputians, you understand) which for this year is a re-telling of Cinderella…told by rats!
I’m not (usually) one to gush, but The Secret Garden sounds truly wonderful and this version incorporates music that has its origins in folk songs – the type you could actually imagine workers singing around the house or garden – and is being told from the perspective of the household staff, to make it firmly rooted in Yorkshire.
If you do reap what you sow, then I think it’s safe to say that some pretty good seeds have been laid and will be ready to sprout at the West Yorkshire Playhouse from September, so keep your eyes peeled…