Friends of the Belgrade Theatre benefi t from receiving 20% off individual tickets.See back page for season diary.

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Find out more about Sons Without Fathers and what it means to be working with London’s Arcola Theatre again in this interview with Artistic Director Hamish Glen.

Why did you want to programme Sons Without Fathers and how does it fi t in with the Belgrade’s artistic policy?

Choices in a theatre’s programme are often pragmatic. We worked with the director, Helena Kaut-Howson, and Arcola Theatre in 2011 on a production of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya. It was successful with critics and audiences and went on to collect a clutch of award nominations so it made sense for us to work together again. Helena suggested a new adaptation of Chekhov’s fi rst play Platonov titled Sons Without Fathers.

The play fi tted well with our policy of producing rarely performed plays from an international repertoire, but also talks about family relationships and marital discord, which are subjects we have explored in a series of productions since our re-opening in 2007, such as Scenes from a Marriage, Nora, The Father and most recently in Gogol’s comedy Marriage.

What does ‘co-production’ mean and why do we sometimes do productions in this way?

Co-producing has become increasingly important in the face of Arts Council and Local Authority funding cuts. Co-productions enable us to share the creation costs and extend the run of productions as they play two or more venues or go on tour. This ultimately extends ‘the reach’ of the play and the number of people that see and engage with the work.

Are there any disadvantages of working with other theatres?

Sometimes they can clutter the artistic policy as projects have to be agreed between various artistic leaders whose own passions and policies, dates, deadlines, images and designs, all have to be negotiated. This can be joyful, but it can also compromise a singular vision and a certain independence.

Can you tell us a bit about Sons Without Fathers?

This adaptation moves the action to a

contemporary setting in modern-day Russia, where a widowed landowner returns for the summer from Moscow. Her return is greeted by two elderly suitors, the district doctor and Platonov, the local teacher, and his wife. She and two other local women, one married wants to have an affair with Platonov. The play continues in a classic comedy of errors as the widow attempts one evening, to spirit Platonov to the summer house to make hay. This comedy of errors leads to Platonov’s wife leaving him. I’ll not give away the ending, which is both comic and sad, the heart of Chekhov’s dramatic genius.

Exclusive Friends of the Belgrade Theatre Events

Hamish Glen on co-producing Sons Without Fathers

Issue SixteenSummer 2013

Friends performance of Sons Without FathersDate: Thursday 25 April Time: 7pmMeeting Place: Box Offi ce

Part of being a Friend of the Belgrade is having the opportunity to meet likeminded people, so the Belgrade will be holding a Friends evening before some shows. The fi rst of these will be for Sons Without Fathers. Join us for a pre show drink and the performance, followed by a post show discussion.

Tickets for the show need to be booked at Box Offi ce, over the phone on 024 7655 3055 or online and are priced at £14.20 (£13.60 online) with your Friends discount.

Season Launch with Hamish GlenDate: Friday 28 June Time: 3pm Meeting Place: Box Offi ce

Hamish Glen talks about the new season, what shows he has programmed and the reasons behind it. Join us for this event and get exclusive insight into the Belgrade’s artistic policy.

To book a place on this event please contact Lexy Rooney on 024 7684 6758 or email friends@belgrade.co.uk.

A look ahead to Autumn and new musical, The ProdigalsFollowing his acclaimed production of The Father last year, we’re teaming up with director Joe Harmston once again to produce his new musical The Prodigals. We caught up with Joe to fi nd out more.

Where did the idea for The Prodigals come about?

Three years ago music producer and composer, Ray Goudie approached me about an idea he had for a new musical based on the parable of The Prodigal Son from the Gospel of Luke. It tells the simple tale of a man who has two sons. One who stays working with him on the farm while the other demands his inheritance and goes off to make a life for himself elsewhere. He spends all

his money before returning home to his father’s where he is greeted with huge celebration by his father. His older brother, however, is less than pleased as he has never been rewarded for remaining at home with his father.

Our play is a contemporary and fresh re-telling of this story with up to the moment language and music. We didn’t want an ancient world which meant nothing to us and we didn’t want musical styles that existed only in the world of musicals. Days of trying scenarios went by before we decided it would be set in a British Army Regiment, the Prodigal Son would go off to have a music career which led him into drugs and the fi rst music we heard would be Dub Step.

Can we expect to see some exciting choreography and production elements?

Oh Yes! The core of the show is a multi-talented ensemble who act, sing and dance their hearts out. I’m working with an amazingly talented choreographer called Natalie Murdoch who has specialised in street dance crews.

The music, I think, is fantastic. As a music producer, the sound quality is vital to Ray and the scale of the sound is awesome, helped by our brilliant Sound Designer, Ben Harrison. And then there’s our Lighting Designer Ben Cracknell whose work was seen at the Belgrade in 20th Century Boy. Our Set Designer Sean Cavanagh came up with an extraordinary design for when we initially staged the show in Edinburgh which became a central visceral element in the show. We’re using it again but now we have the scope to put it in a more complete and complex environment. I can’t wait to get started on combining all these elements.

How has the show changed since a condensed version of it premiered at the Edinburgh Festival in 2011?

Music has changed since we wrote some songs so we’ve re-written some to refl ect the current music scene. There have also been political changes, especially in Afghanistan where our Regiment is fi ghting. New military kit has come in and we’re very particular about accuracy so our military advisers have got us up to speed there too. Generally I feel we’ve clarifi ed and tightened a lot of story-telling and character development. There’s nothing like doing a show in front of an audience to really learn how it ticks. I’m looking forward to learning more from the Belgrade audiences and making it even better.

What will the set and costumes look like?

I’m not going to answer that! Instead I’m going to ask a question; what do you think a set that needs to encompass Helmand Province, an Army Camp in Scotland, a sweaty night club, a hotel suite, a parade ground, a fl ying Chinook helicopter and the inside of a heroin trip should look like?! Come along and fi nd out!

Photographs show the 2011 Edinburgh production and feature previous cast members.

What is your role at the Belgrade Theatre?

As Education Offi cer for young at risk my main role is running the Acting Out programme, which engages young people aged 14 – 16 across the city in the performing arts. They attend one day a week with me and gain a BETC qualifi cation. I also run the Saturday Drama Classes.

How long have you worked here?

I have worked at the theatre on and off for nearly six years on many different projects.

What are the most exciting and challenging parts of your job?

It is a wonderful job that is different every day and keeps me on my toes. It is a pleasure to work creatively with young people and keep them engaged in a programme of work that gives them professional practice in a theatre and a qualifi cation for their future.

Have you ever experienced any real disasters?

I haven’t experienced any major disasters apart from a few diva moments during technical rehearsals, but they are stressful times for any young actor.

What are your favourite shows that you have seen at the Belgrade Theatre?

I thoroughly enjoyed 20th Century Boy, Fragile and C&E productions such as Close to Home, Samson and Delilah and Earth is Hard Heaven is Hard.

What shows are you most looking forward to seeing in the new season?

In this season I’m looking forward to Sons Without Fathers and in the Autumn One Night in November as I haven’t seen it on the Main Stage yet. Of course I’m looking forward to seeing the Acting Out group’s new production Journey To X in April too.

See the results of both Orla’s and the Acting Out group’s hard work when Journey to X opens in B2 from 24 to 27 April. Entrance is free, but we will ask for a donation to help support future Acting Out projects and the Community & Education Company

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Meet the Team

Signatures Café serves up even better value

Orla O’Connor – Education Offi cer for young at risk

The food and drink in our Signatures Café is now more appealing than ever following a signifi cant reduction in prices. With an additional 10% discount for Friends of the Belgrade it’s even better value, whether you’re popping in for a cup of tea and a slice of cake or a pre-show snack.

Mug of fi lter coffee - £1.20Mug of tea - £1.20Latte - £1.90Cappuccino - £1.90

All sandwiches - £1.50Toasted sandwiches - £1.90All panini - £1.95

Slice of cake - £1.50

Large jacket potato - £1.95

Fillings - from 45p-65p

Homemade soup of the day with roll & butter - £1.95

On the fi rst night of a week long tour the theatre’s management team host a drinks reception for the cast and crew of the show in the Cafébar. Why not stay for a drink after the show and see if you can spot a star.

Horrible Histories – Tues 2 April

The 39 Steps – Mon 22 April

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice – Tues 28 May

The Blues Brothers, The Smash Hit – Mon 29 April

James and the Giant Peach – Tues 11 June

Spot a Star in the Cafébar

BOOK NOW 024 7655 3055 or via www.belgrade.co.uk

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What’s On DiaryAs part of your Friends of the Belgrade Membership, you are entitled to 20% off the following shows. * Discount is valid on 1 ticket if you have a Single Membership and 2 tickets if you have a Joint Membership.

Check our What’s On guide or visit www.belgrade.co.uk for more details.

The Belgrade BulletinNow you know everything that’s happening on stage, here’s an insight into what’s going on backstage with an update from the various departments that comprise the Belgrade team.

Production Department & Belgrade Production ServicesThe production team are currently working on building the set for Sons Without Fathers. They are continuing with the Russian theme but the romantic and delicate set for Marriage has been replaced by a deserted school room with nuclear disaster inspired décor which includes rusting metal walls, possibly caused by a leak in the roof.

Community & EducationIn March 2013 the Young Company performed their 3rd production Playlist, a new piece of physical theatre directed by Neil Bettles (Artistic Director of ThickSkin). The theatre’s Acting Out group will be performing Journey to X (part of last year’s National Theatre Connections programme) in April 2013. This will be the fi rst time the group has worked with an existing script instead of a newly devised piece. Also, the fi ve core youth theatre groups are working towards their Bronze and Silver Arts Awards.

DevelopmentThe team are working to promote awareness of the Belgrade’s charitable status, in the past few months a pancake race and a ghost walk have been organised to gain publicity about the Belgrade Theatre Trust.

Donations made at Box Offi ce when booking tickets have continued to increase, with a record £3,000 being raised in February. Our awareness efforts must be working!

CommunicationsThe team are currently gearing up for the arrival of a new apprentice who will join the team as part of the theatre’s thriving Creative Apprenticeship scheme. Work is currently underway to collate all of the info for the new Autumn Season brochure, which will be ready in July. A new virtual tour has been commissioned using google street view 360° digital images which gives you access all areas, and even allows you on to the stages! It can be viewed on the website at www.belgrade.co.uk.

OperationsThe Operations team are very excited about the busy and varied season. There are a wide range of tours and one night shows coming up which will hopefully attract a large and varied audience. We are also busy limbering up and training for the Coventry Fun Run which takes place on Sunday 9th June. The Belgrade Theatre Team will be raising money for our Give the Gift of Theatre campaign, which offers under privileged children and their families the chance to enjoy live theatre at the Belgrade. If you would like to support us please contact Graham Aylott on 024 7684 6750.

Show Dates Description

Horrible Histories – Terrible Tudors and Vile Victorians

Tues 2 – Sat 6 April

Using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects The Terrible Tudors and The Vile Victorians are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical fi gures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fi ngertips.

Sons Without Fathers

Sat 13 April – Sat 4 May

A brand new version of Chekhov’s rarely performed fi rst play, Platonov. Produced by the same team that created the Belgrade and Arcola’s acclaimed co-production of Uncle Vanya in 2011.

Journey to X Weds 24 – Sat 27 April

The Belgrade’s Acting Out Company present their fi nal major project that will go towards their BTEC in Performing Arts. The story follows a group of young people heading to London to audition for X Factor.

There is no charge for this production; our Community & Education Company operate a “Donate what you want” policy.

The 39 Steps Mon 22 – Sat 27 April

Direct from the West End, this wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller features four fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced action.

The Blues Brothers Mon 29 April – Sat 4 May

Dust off your pork pie hats, dig out your shades, put on your dancing shoes and prepare to party like never before because The Blues Brothers are back in town.

Shaolin Warriors Mon 20 May With a fully choreographed spectacular production that features 22 professionally trained Kung Fu Masters, the Shaolin Warriors vividly depict rarely-seen feats of agility, strength and skill.

Vampires Rock Tues 21 May With a twist of rock, a hint of comedy and some of the greatest anthems you know and love, including We Will Rock You, Bat Out of Hell, Highway to Hell, Since You’ve Been Gone and many more!

Motown’s Greatest Hits, How Sweet It Is

Weds 22 May The ultimate celebration of the sweet sound of Motown is back by popular demand!

Hold Back the Night Thurs 23 May This superb production delivers the ultimate pop concert, fi lled with the music of ABBA and the Bee Gees.

The Counterfeit Stones Fri 24 May This masterpiece, hilariously mockumenting the history of the Rolling Stones from 1982, will bring back the nostalgia if you were

there, or if you weren’t, make you wish you were!

James and the Giant Peach

Tues 11 – Sat 15 June

The Birmingham Stage Company proudly presents Roald Dahl’s classic story. If you’re looking for fruit fi lled fun and whizz popping wonders, then don’t miss James and the Giant Peach.