Tunes of Glory
Award-winning Middle Ground Theatre Company returns to The Lowry with the world premiere of James Kennaway's
TUNES OF GLORY
The Lowry, Salford Quays, Tue 17 – Sat 21 January 2006 Press night Tue 17 January 7pm
The Lowry hosts the world premiere of Middle Ground Theatre Company’s new stage adaptation of James Kennaway’s stunning TUNES OF GLORY from Tue 17 to Sat 21 January 2006. The production will feature state-of-the-art technology, cinematic images and original costumes from the BAFTA award-winning film starring Alec Guinness and John Mills.
Tunes of Glory stars acclaimed British actors Patrick Ryecart (Michael Winner’s Parting Shots, Ken Russell’s Prisoner of Honour and Sir Richard Attenborough’s A Bridge Too Far) as Colonel Basil Barrow, Stuart McGugan (Hamish Macbeth, It Ain‘t Half Hot Mum) as the wild and stormy Acting Colonel Jock Sinclair, and Richard Walsh (Sicknote in London‘s Burning) as RSM Riddick. The cast also includes Alex Hardy (Family Affairs - nominated 2005 best soap villain) and James Lauren (Emmerdale).
The production’s Artistic Director and designer is Middle Ground Producer Michael Lunney who is joined by Assistant Director Richard Walsh. Together they direct an acting company of fifteen who will perform in many of the original military costumes from the 1960 film.
Due to the complexity of the show’s design, the production will feature state-of-the-art technology, utilising the SFX Sound System (as used extensively in the West End) and the BARCO film projection system, currently used by the hugely popular rock band REM on their stadium world tour. Lighting design is by Sebastian Petit. Cinematic film images and scenarios have been shot on location in both Scotland and England, and fused seamlessly into the action on stage. Extensive footage of the London Scottish Regiment's Pipes & Drums band performing in the original film's costumes at the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich has recently been completed, along with other film scenarios. A specially-composed musical score has been written by Mathew Larkin, which includes the classic sound of pipes and drums from a typical Scottish Regiment.
The stage design will include set revolves and digitally reproduced backcloths, with the design itself being inspired by both the interior and exterior of Edinburgh Castle.
Middle Ground’s previous productions have received many accolades, including The Times & Guardian Theatre Critic’s Choice, and Manchester Evening News Theatre Awards. As a result of such accolades and after 18 years of touring, Middle Ground is considered to be one of the finest touring companies in the UK.
“When it is done well, old-fashioned theatre is hard to beat. This production proves the point to perfection... enthralling. ****” The Scotsman on Michael Lunney's recent production of Dial M For Murder which toured to The Lowry.
Tunes of Glory The Lowry, Salford Quays, Greater Manchester
Tue 17 – Sat 21 January, 7pm, Wed & Thu mat 2.30pm, Sat mat 2pm
Tickets £12-£18
Box office: 0870 7875793
Posted on Tuesday, 20 December 2005 under Press Theatre Press