Something Wicked This Way Comes
Hallowe’en comes a week early at The Lowry…
A Catherine Wheels and National Theatre of Scotland Co-Production
Something Wicked This Way Comes
Written and adapted by Ray Bradbury
Directed by Gill Robertson
The Lowry, Thu 23 – Sat 25 October 2008
Press Night: Thu 23 October, 7pm
• A syndicated interview is available with writer Ray Bradbury
Something Wicked This Way Comes, an updated adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s classic, is a supernatural coming-of-age story that visits The Lowry from Thu 23 – Sat 25 October. This timely Hallowe’en tale, spine-tingling for both adults and youngsters, follows two teenage boys, Jim and Will, whose adventures unfold as the Cooger and Dark carnival rolls into town.
The production is performed by an ensemble of eight actors and two musicians using an inspiring array of theatrical techniques, including video art and aerial performance. Aerial dancer, Jennifer Paterson, swoops across the stage as the mysterious flying Dust Witch, harnessed using pulleys and weights as her evil character does battle with the teenage heroes.
Adapting his own novel for the stage, the legendary Ray Bradbury has created a chilling battle between good and evil, packed with a terrifying collection of characters including the Dust Witch and the deadly Mr. Dark. Ray Bradbury is one of America’s greatest writers, his most famous books include Fahrenheit 451, Dandelion Wine and The Martian Chronicles. Inspired to write Something Wicked This Way Comes by a fairground he visited when he was a child, Ray Bradbury says, “My favourite ride is the merry-go-round. When I was twelve, I met Mr Electrico at the carnival and he told me to live forever. I also fell in love with Halloween when I was very young, and I celebrate it in my books.”
Artistic Director of Catherine Wheels and director of Something Wicked, Gill Robertson’s, previous work includes Lifeboat which won the Manchester Evening News’ Best Visiting Production Award in 2007 at The Lowry and The Wizard of Oz at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh. National Theatre of Scotland previously visited The Lowry in May this year with the award-winning Black Watch. This is their first collaboration with Catherine Wheels.
Posted on Tuesday, 30 September 2008 under Press Theatre Press