Alces' production of Bell, Book and Candle, first professional UK revival in almost two decades, opens tonight at the Greenwich Playhouse.
The Play: It's Christmas Eve, 1950 in Manhattan, but young witch Gillian Holroyd's mood is more restless than festive. She wants something different this season, perhaps in the form of her attractive new tenant Shepherd Henderson. Problem is, he's engaged to Gillian's former school rival, and Gillian suspects she hasn't got time to win him over before his New Year's Eve wedding announcement. Unless, of course, she exercises her extraordinary powers to bind him with a spell. But that's no challenge - or is it?
In our frantic modern world of souless soulmate searches and dot-com dating disasters, Van Druten's enchanting tale reminds us that sometimes all it takes is a little magic to discover the transforming power of love.
The Cast: Playing young witch Gillian Holroyd will be ZOE TEVERSON, whose credits include this year's production of Edward II at London's Rose Theatre Bankside, extensive work for Kent Rep, and the feature film Sleeping With Fishes (Sky Film Network); her love interest, Shepherd Henderson, will be played by STEPHEN CAVANAGH, whose credits include numerous productions at Colchester's acclaimed Mercury Theatre Company; her impish brother, Nicky, will be played by DUNCAN MACINNES, whose credits include work at London's Pleasance Theatre, and Theatres Royal Nottingham and Stratford East; dissolute author Sidney Redlitch will be played by JOHN SEARS, whose credits include work at London's Rose Theatre Bankside and Pentameters Theatre; and in the memorable role of Gillian's eccentric Aunt Queenie will be CAROLE STREET, whose work includes major London Off-West End venues such as the King's Head, Old Red Lion, Baron's Court, and Pleasance Theatres.
The Playwright: London native John Van Druten (1901-1957) had enjoyed years of West End acclaim when he decided to further his theatrical career in America. Bell, Book and Candle was one of a string of Broadway successes that included The Voice of the Turtle; I Remember Mama; and I Am a Camera (laterInformation: adapted into the musical Cabaret), which won the 1952 Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play. Bell, Book and Candle became a hit film in 1958 starring Kim Novak and Jimmy Stewart, and inspired the beloved television series Bewitched.
The Production Team: Alces Productions is the producing company of director/playwright Mark Giesser, who is directing the Greenwich Playhouse production in collaboration with Obie Award-winning set designer John C. Scheffler, costume designer Giulia Scrimieri, lighting designer Philip Jones, and assistant director Rishi Chatrath. Mr Giesser, a member of the League of Off-Broadway Theatres & Producers, has produced and directed numerous Off-Broadway shows. In 2006, he debuted Jim Nolan's Blackwater Angel at London's Finborough Theatre following its premiere at Dublin's Abbey Theatre. In 2010, he made his UK playwriting debut with The Tulip Wars at London's Lion & Unicorn Theatre.
Listings Information:
VENUE: Greenwich Playhouse;
Greenwich Station Forecourt; 189 Greenwich High Road; London SE10 8JA
www.galleontheatre.co.uk
DATES: 10th November - 4th December 2011
Tues - Sat @ 7:30pm; Sun @ 4pm
Press Night: Thursday, 10th November 2011 @ 7:30pm
Running time 2hr (approx) inc. interval
TICKETS: £13, £10 (concs.)
BOX OFFICE: 020 8858 9256; boxoffice@galleontheatre.co.uk
