Octagon Theatre Bolton and University of Bolton present in association with Middle Child
A new musical by Beth Hyland
Directed by Lotte Wakeham
An exhilarating new musical inspired by Chekhov’s The Seagull
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The Octagon Theatre Bolton are thrilled to present the world premiere of Seagulls, a new musical by emerging writer Beth Hyland. Gig meets theatre in this exciting new production that mixes original indie/folk music played live with the drama inspired by the themes of art and love from Chekhov’s classic play The Seagull.
The show follows the lives of four young aspiring musicians on the precipice of adult life in 2019, who believe their band SEAGULLS will one day make its mark on the UK music industry. But when complicated romances and artistic differences threaten to tear them apart, cracks appear and reality hits hard.
Seagulls will be brought to life in a full production for the very first time in the intimate setting of Bolton’s Library Theatre whilst the Octagon’s major redevelopment continues. This will be a chance for audiences to be close to the action and enjoy a lively, high octane night out with fantastic live music throughout.
A talented cast of four actor-musicians include Matthew Heywood who plays the emotional and artistic front man of the band Con. West End performer Flora Spencer-Longhurst will be taking on the role of Nina, a singer who dreams of becoming famous. Both will be returning fresh from performing in the Octagon’s production of Maxine Peake’s Beryl.
Completing the cast and making their Octagon debuts will be Tomi Ogbaro (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Regent’s Park Theatre, Sweet Charity, The Watermill) who is playing the happy-go-lucky percussionist Simon and Lauryn Redding (The Hired Man, Queen’s Theatre Horchurch & Hull Truck, Oliver Twist, Hull Truck) who will be portraying troubled keyboard player Masha.
Writer Beth Hyland is a playwright, screenwriter, and songwriter based in Chicago. Her plays and musicals include For Annie (The Hearth, The Sound), Clearing (Commission Theatre; workshop, Actors Theatre of Louisville; Garry Marshall Theatre New Works Festival finalist) and Red Bowl at the Jeffs (The Sound; Chicago Reader 10 Best of 2018) “I am thrilled that Lotte and the team at the Octagon are producing Seagulls in Bolton. It is script I am incredibly proud of and I can’t wait to see the words and music come to life on stage.”
Produced in association with award-winning Hull based theatre company Middle Child who specialize in creating gig theatre. Paul Smith, artistic director of Middle Child comments “We’re thrilled to be working with Octagon Theatre Bolton on Seagulls and to be bringing our gig theatre experience to the show. We love putting on good nights out that tell northern stories for northern audiences and we can’t wait to share this story with the people of Bolton.”
This will be the Octagon’s new Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham’s directorial debut at the venue and she comments on the production “Our audience members have told me that they’re hungry for live music and new musicals, so I’m delighted to be directing this world premiere production of Seagulls. We have four extraordinarily talented actor-musicians who will be telling this funny and passionate story about life in a band, and providing the soundtrack to the show, live. Producing this show in association with gig theatre experts Middle Child Theatre is also a dream come true. Audiences can expect a high octane, energetic and exciting night out.”
Seagulls will be playing at the Library Theatre, Bolton between Thu 24 October – Sat 16 November 2019. Ticket prices from £29 - £14. Visit octagonbolton.co.uk/whats-on for more information.
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