Road (Modern Classics)

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Those people are poorer now,” says Tiffany, “and austerity has really started to dissolve the structure of civic life as we know it.” One of the most powerful things about Road, says Dudgeon, is that “it shows ordinary, struggling working-class characters and makes them into heroes”. Now, even more so than when the play was written, it’s rare to see honest yet positive portrayals of working-class life. In 1994 the play was produced by Out of Joint theatre and directed by Max Stafford-Clark. The production toured the UK and performed at the Leicester Haymarket and the Royal Court. RAZ - Edinburgh Festival (Winner of Fringe First Award 2015), 2016 Trafalgar Studios, London & Nationwide tour. Directed by Anthony Banks. I’d never been to a play where a whole record was played’ … Dan Parr, Michelle Fairley and Shane Zaza, who star in the new production. Photograph: Sarah Weal But it's still all worth it for that last scene. Probably my favourite scene in any play ever, to be perfectly honest. Somehow a somehow.

Road was an instant classic because of the way its kaleidoscopic form allowed for short, sharp insights into the lives of the working classes in the latter days of the Thatcher premiership. It famously took over the Royal Court theatre, ran a disco, transformed the bar into a Lancashire pub, took the audience directly into these people's homes. It's less confrontational now, less intimate. The way it represents these people feels old-fashioned - though it didn't feel like that in the flesh, it's a weird thing. And not all of it works, because it's so episodic some of it can't quite hold the momentum. Despite the Sloane Square location, Tiffany wants his production to feel “very northern”, honouring the impact the play made on him and fellow northerners. “People talk about this play – certainly a lot of actors and directors who are from the north – as a fundamental moment in their journey into theatre,” he says. “It’s talked of with such fondness, such pride.”I'v been putting off reading this for ages, it's been almost 2 years since I saw it. I think it's because I knew I'd have a really complicated relationship with it - and surprise surprise, I do!

Road has enabled director Nathan Chapman to showcase the wide variety and wealth of talent this company possesses and the cast of over 20 were outstanding. Demonstrating some very sharp characterisation, many as monologues interspersed with humorous mini sketches. Pre show and interval activity made full use of this large cast.Two - Octagon. Young Vic Theatre. Winner of: Manchester Evening News Theatre Award for Best New Play. directed by Andy Hay The play is often performed on a promenade, allowing the audience to follow the narrator (Scullery) along the road and visit different sets and the different homes of the characters.

This is an exciting and vibrant group of actors who consistently produce a high standard with both classic and contemporary works. Their next production in September is an original play by Angela Pressland, A Higher Education, winner of a national playwriting competition specially commissioned for this slot, and it will be eagerly awaited. After the initial performance at the Royal Court Theatre "Upstairs", with Edward Tudor-Pole as Scullery, the play moved "Downstairs" in 1987 with Ian Dury as the narrator. [3]The inequality and hopelessness of then is at least as prevalent now,” Dudgeon continues. “And I think the strength and humour of the characters is as beautiful and funny and moving now as it was then.” It’s talked of with such fondness’ … Shane Zaza and John Tiffany during rehearsals. Photograph: Johan Persson Sharp describes the writing of Road in 1986 as “an urgent response to the society that was being unravelled and reimagined under our noses”. More than 30 years later, it still has a sense of urgency. “It’s nostalgic while being prophetic,” says Tiffany, observing how the drama both looks to the past and anticipates the widening gap between rich and poor. His production, he hopes, will demonstrate how relevant – politically and artistically – Road remains. “It’s another chance to explore the play and to see its place in theatre history, and how much it still says about now.”

Eight Miles High - Octagon * 1994 & 1995 Bristol Theatre Royal Nominated for Theatre Management Association Best Musical Award. directed by Andy Hay Tiffany’s new production at the Royal Court aims to celebrate the play’s history while also reimagining it. “It’s absolutely Road as written,” he says, “but it’s a very different presentation of it.” This revival is abandoning the now familiar promenade form, but it still bridges the usual gap between performers and audience. Chloe Lamford’s design features a set of steps that will connect the stage with the audience, allowing the cast to get in among the spectators. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable eight weeks working with a fine group of actors who have thrown their talent and enthusiasm behind the production, and I would like to thank them and all the people who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this performance possible.The play has won a number of awards and was voted the 36th best play of the 20th century in a poll by the Royal National Theatre. [2] Notable productions [ edit ]