Awaking Beauty (2008)

Author:
Composer:
New Play:

Venue:
Location:
Staging:

First performance:
Opening night:
Final performance:
Alan Ayckbourn
Denis King
Yes

Stephen Joseph Theatre
The Round
Round

11 December 2008
16 December 2008
17 January 2009
Director:
Composer:
Musical Director:
Design:
Lighting:
Choreographer:
Puppet Design / Advisor:
Alan Ayckbourn
Denis King
Jonathan Williams
Michael Holt
Jason Taylor
Sheila Carter
Lee Threadgold
Stage Manager:
Deputy Stage Manager:
Assistant Stage Manager:
Assistant Stage Manager:

Character
Carabosse
The Prince
Princess Aurora
The Pigcutter
First Narrator / De Vine
Second Narrator / Miss Chasum
Third Narrator / Midwife
Fourth Narrator / Sorceress
Fifth Narrator / Estate Agent
Sixth Narrator / Geoff
Andy Hall
Fleur Linden Beeley
Rowena Rickson
Catherine Milestone

Actor
Anna Francolini
Duncan Patrick
Alice Fearn
Ben Fox
Verity Quade
Annelene Beechey
Helen French
Matthew White
Ian McLarnon
Jon-Paul Hevey

Why is this play significant?

Alan Ayckbourn's final work to be debuted whilst Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre. It marked his Swanson in the role and the final night of the musical on 17 January 2009 effectively marked the point Alan Ayckbourn stepped down as Artistic Director. It was also the 100th world premiere to be presented at the Stephen Joseph Theatre since the company moved to its third home in 1996.

Notes

○ Awaking Beauty was the final production by Alan Ayckbourn whilst he was Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre. Although he officially stepped down from the role on 31 March 2009, the role essentially ended on the final night of Awaking Beauty on 17 January 2009.
○ Awaking Beauty is a musical for voice and piano with the majority of the songs a cappella.
○ Awaking Beauty is considered to be the 100th new play to be premiered since the company moved to its present home, the Stephen Joseph Theatre, in 1996.
○ Awaking Beauty is the only play by Alan Ayckbourn that is written specifically for adults and which was advertised as having content not suitable for children.
○ 2008 marked Alan Ayckbourn's final full year as the Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough. As a result, the summer and winter season's plays were dedicated to his work.

Links

All research for this page by Simon Murgatroyd.