Details

The novel depicts the plight of the French peasantry demoralised by the French aristocracy in the years leading up to the revolution. Retaining the thrill and tension of the French Revolutionary setting but merging it with a modern, East London aesthetic, the production reimagines Dickens' dangerous and doomed antihero Sydney Carton as a member of the 27 Club (which includes Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse). The adaptation marries three of the finest artists in their own fields that England has ever known: Dickens the master story-teller, Rattigan the great playwright and Gielgud the mercurial actor. Gielgud intended to play both Sidney Carton and a number of other roles, and this production will realise that ambition - and show off the talents of an incredible team of performers - by having thirty characters played by just eight actors.

Cast/Performers

Jacob Ifan (Charles Darnay), Joseph Timms (Sydney), Shanaya Rafaat (Lucie), Sue Wallace (Miss Pross), Patrick Romer (Dr Manette), Harry Attwell (Defarge), Noa Bodner (Madame Defarge), Michael Garner (Lorry), Sean Murray (Barsad), Christopher Hunter (Marquis), Rebecca Birch, Jonathan Dryden Taylor, Jon Tarcy

Creatives/Company

Book by: Charles Dickens
Adapted by(s): Terence Rattigan, John Gielgud, Mike Poulton
Producer: Royal & Derngate
Company: The Touring Consortium Theatre Company (in association with Darlington Civic Theatre)
Music: Rachel Portman
Director(s): James Dacre, Struan Leslie (movement), Terry King (fight direction)
Design: Mike Britton
Lighting: Paul Keogan
Sound: Adrienne Quartly