James Graham’s hit play ‘Dear England’ is coming to Apollo Theatre in Newport on 25th January. The Apollo Theatre is now a National Theatre Live venue: the best theatre from London and the West End is coming to the well-loved venue right in the heart of the Island. For the first time, islanders can enjoy a fantastic evening – with performances by world-class actors – from the comfort and relaxed surroundings in the 130-seat theatre on Newport’s Pyle Street. There will be 8 transmissions a year, starting with James Graham’s hit play “Dear England” (January 25th), which regales the journey of England men’s football manager Gareth Southgate, played by Joseph Fiennes, from his Euro 96 penalty miss to leading the team to the successes of recent years, with an examination of the identity of a football team and the country. This will be followed by “Vanya” (February 22nd): Simon Stephen’s radical new version of Anton Chekhov’s play, starring Andrew Scott with a “thrilling, virtuoso performance” in a one-man production filmed live on stage in the West End. Ginnie Orrey, spokesperson for the Apollo Theatre, said:
“National Theatre Live at the Apollo is a really exciting treat to bring to theatre lovers on the island. The ambience of our beautiful theatre in Newport is just right for these kind of productions – and you will always have the best seat in the house, without having to catch a ferry.”
Tickets for NT Live at the Apollo Theatre are £15 and can be booked at http://www.apollo-theatre.org.uk. New performances will be announced throughout the year: keep an eye on the website or, even better, for £20 a year you can become a full member of the island’s premier little theatre and receive regular email invitations to watch productions. Further information about joining can be found on the theatre’s website.
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