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New Vic Theatre: 40 Years of Round-the-World Hits
19 Sep
Summary
- The New Vic Theatre marks 40 years since its 1986 opening.
- It pioneered Europe's first purpose-built theatre-in-the-round.
- Internationally acclaimed plays have toured globally from its stage.
The New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of innovative performances. Opened on August 13, 1986, it was Europe's first purpose-built theatre-in-the-round, a concept championed by its first artistic director, Peter Cheeseman, who aimed to bring audiences closer to the stage. The theatre has since hosted 580 plays and welcomed famous actors like Ben Kingsley and Bob Hoskins.
Productions from the New Vic have achieved significant global reach. A notable example is Laura Eason's 2013 adaptation of 'Around The World In 80 Days,' which featured eight actors playing 109 characters and has been performed as far afield as New York. This play, along with others like 'Marvellous' and 'Good Golly Miss Molly,' highlights the theatre's impact beyond north Staffordshire.
Other significant productions include 'Marvellous,' inspired by local man Neil Baldwin's life, which transferred to the West End. The theatre also honored Baldwin with a permanent seat. The anniversary year program includes a new production of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet,' starring Russell Kane and Natalie Cassidy. The theatre's success is attributed to strong community commitment and a unique theatrical design.
