12 May 2010

ARCADIA

Tom Stoppard

All Previews €20 from Thurs 20 May

‘Stoppard’s richest, most ravishing comedy’
The New York Times

Arcadia is a dazzling and comic tale of mystery and love, with all the qualities of a gripping literary detective story. The Gate Theatre is delighted to present this multi-award-winning comedy by one of the giants of modern playwriting. Author of such masterpieces as The Real Thing and Rock ‘n’ Roll as well as the screenplays Shakespeare In Love and Empire of the Sun, Arcadia is Tom Stoppard’s undisputed masterpiece.

In a stately home in Derbyshire in the early 19th century, a young girl suddenly proposes a startling theory beyond her, and everyone else’s, understanding. Around her, however, the adults are preoccupied with secret desires and illicit passions.

Sir Tom Stoppard has written prolifically for television, radio, film and stage, finding prominence with plays such as Arcadia, The Coast of Utopia, Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, Professional Foul and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. He wrote the screenplays for Shakespeare in Love, Empire of the Sun and Brazil and has been the recipient of numerous awards including an Academy Award and four Tony Awards. Themes of human rights, censorship and political freedom pervade his work along with exploration of linguistics and philosophy.

First performed in London in 1993, starring Rufus Sewell, Felicity Kendal and Bill Nighy,
Arcadia swept the boards receiving both the Evening Standard and Olivier Awards for Best New Play before transferring to Broadway, starring Paul Giamatti, where it won the prestigious New York Critics’ Circle Award. The Gate Theatre is delighted to have brought together a stellar cast, including Beth Cooke (granddaughter of Cyril Cusack), Ingrid Craigie, Donna Dent, Gavin Fullam, Barry McGovern, David O’Brien, Hugh O’Conor, Aoibheann O’Hara, Mark O'Regan, Marty Rea, Stephen Swift and Andy Whipp. Tony award winner Patrick Mason directs with set design by Joe Vanek, costumes by Joan O’ Clery, lighting by Mick Hughes and sound by Denis Clohessy.

Arcadia opens at the Gate Theatre on Tuesday 25th May, low price previews €20 from Thursday 20th May, Monday to Saturday at 8pm with Saturday matinees at 3pm on selected dates.

Tickets: Special mid-week offer 4 Tickets for €100 (Tues-Thur, subject to availibility).
Previews €20; Matinees/Mondays €25; Tuesday-Thursday €32;
Friday-Saturday €35; Students Mon – Thurs €15;
Booking www.gatetheatre.ie or 01 874 4045 / 874 6042