Guaranteed there is something for everyone to sink their teeth in to.
Gerard McCarthy, novelists Cathy Kelly and Jodi Picoult, Kym Marsh, Jane Weisner and West End Star Rachel Tucker are just some of the top-billed names included in the Autumn/ Winter programme for Newtownabbey’s Theatre at the Mill. Launched today [July 25], this latest offering boosts an exciting succession of world-class drama, music, talks, comedy and dance performances.
The new season kicks off in September with the co-produced adaption of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Directed by Michael Poyner and starring Gerard McCarthy, of The Fall, Vikings and Hollyoaks fame, Jonathan Harker and Dracula is a World Premier for the Theatre and marks the opening-leg of a three-month nationwide tour.
Running from September 18 – 27, this newest adaptation of the gothic horror masterpiece sees McCarthy make a welcome return to the stage playing both Jonathan Harker, whose diaries chronicle the bloody tale, and Dracula, arguably the greatest supernatural character of all time.
Jayne Wisener from Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd, Kym Marsh and West End star Rachael Tucker are set to appear in cameo, pre-recorded, roles as the ‘Brides of Dracula’ and will be projected on the stage with McCarthy. The Bride Of Dracula cast announcement was made at midnight on Twitter after a teaser quote from Bram Stoker’s original text was tweeted on the production’s official account @MrJHarker.
Using multiple cameras, backing screens, projections, surround sound and a newly commissioned score, this solo de force will have would-be theatre-goers screaming in the aisles. Recommended 12yrs plus. Tickets £12.
Speaking on Jonathan Harker and Dracula Bernard Clarkson, Arts Centre Manager said;
“We are delighted to be working with Michael Poynor again and to be co-producing this new production with the Ulster Theatre Company. Michael adapted and directed our production of Comedy of Errors last year with Mark Docherty composing the music for that production too. They are a terrific team and with the added energy and artistry of Gerard’s solo performance will create an original, chilling and thrilling interpretation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel. I would advise audiences to prepare to be terrifyingly entertained!”
Speaking on the Brides of Dracula, McCarthy said
“We wanted three powerful, strong, sexy women to play the Brides Of Dracula and I’m delighted that Kym, Rachel and Jayne are on board.The three of them together will be a force to be reckoned with.”
For Opera lovers, the Theatre also has some treats in store. Running from October – January a series of world-class Opera will be streamed live to the Theatre at the Mill from The Met Opera New York. Opera fans of all ages will have the opportunity to listen to chilling productions from Verdi’s Macbeth to Bizet’s Carmen, one of the most popular operas of all time. Dates and times vary for more information please visit www.theatratthemill.com. To whet your appetite the Theatre will once-again be hosting the ever-popular Opera Gala Evening on Saturday August 2. Under the Direction of Conductor Andrew Synott, distinguished Irish soprano Virginia Kerr and friends from the International Opera Stage will perform classic arias from the world of Opera and Operetta. Tickets £15.
In addition some of the world’s most popular female authors will be revealing the secrets of their success in a unique new programme of literary talks ‘Conversations at the Mill.’ Kicking off with Philippa Gregory on August 17, the Theatre will also host bestselling writers Cathy Kelly and Tasmina Perry in October and Jodi Picoult in November.
For more information and to book tickets for any of the events log on to www.theatreatthemill.com or call the box office directly on 028 9034 0202.