Grogan goes Barefoot at Lyceum
Clare Grogan joins Barefoot in the Park at Lyceum
Altered Images singer Clare Grogan is to feature in the Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Royal Lyceum Theatre’s co-production of Barefoot in the Park, playing Edinburgh in April.
Neil Simon’s comedy, set during the Sixties in New York’s Greenwich Village, will be directed by PFT’s new artistic director Elizabeth Newman and will open in Pitlochry in March. It is the first co-production between the two theatres.
Jessica Hardwick (Corrie) and Olivier Huband (Paul)
The cast is headed up by Lyceum regular Jessica Hardwick who plays optimistic newlywed Corie against Olivier Huband, who was in Mission Impossible: Fallout and seen at the Pleasance during #EdFringe 2019 in Such Filthy F*cks, as her new husband: the more grounded Paul.
As they begin their married life together in their tiny New York apartment, figuring out the usual daily ups and downs of married life becomes that bit more complicated when Corrie attempts to match-make her mother Ethel with their unconventional neighbour, Mr Velasco.
While Corrie is playing matchmaker she is conversely coaxing her new husband into living a more laid-back lifestyle in which he doesn’t sweat the small things, lives in the moment, and perhaps even runs barefoot in the park…
extraordinary
Clare Grogan, who first rose to prominence as an actor in the 1981 movie Gregory’s Girl and was the singer in Altered Images, is playing Ethel. Mr Velasco will be played by Monarch of the Glen actor Hamish Clark who was recently seen in Holby City.
Clare Grogan and Hamish Clark
The company is joined by Karis Jack, seen in the recent tour of Motown the Musical and in the West End production of Les Miserables, who plays singing delivery woman, Audrey Blake. Completing the cast as the long-suffering telephone man Harry Pepper, is Pitlochry and Octagon Bolton regular Marc Small.
Announcing the new casting, Elizabeth Newman said: “We are thrilled to be producing Barefoot in the Park with the Lyceum. It is a joyful story that celebrates love. It feels like the world really needs to escape to New York to spend time with Corie and Paul in their love nest!”
Barefoot in the Park premiered on Broadway in 1963 with Robert Redford as Paul and Elizabeth Ashley as Corrie. Simon wrote the screenplay for the 1967 film adaptation in which Redford reprised his role as Paul with Jane Fonda taking on Corrie.
totally glorious.
“Audiences can expect a great comedy by one of America’s finest playwrights”, Newman adds. “Neil Simon definitely offers up a lot of laughs and fun. We will also be including some fabulous 60s musical classics.
“The acting company are totally glorious. Clare Grogan is an extraordinary actor and singer. She is much-loved by so many people in Scotland and beyond.
Karis Jack and Marc Small
“Jessica Hardwick is a tour de force, who is excited to return to the Lyceum opposite another great talent Olivier Huband.
“Hamish Clark is excited about joining the team too! Most known for his work in television, he can’t wait to breathe life into the charismatic neighbour, Victor. Marc and Karis are brilliant and I am sure will tickle audiences when they arrive in the Bratter house!”
Listings
Barefoot in the Park
Pitlochry Festival Theatre
Port Na Craig, Pitlochry PH16 5DR. Phone booking: 01796 484 626
Thursday 12 – Saturday 29 March 2020
Thurs – Sat: 7pm; Matinees from Sat 14: Weds/Thurs, Sat/Sun: 2pm.
Tickets and details: Book here.
Royal Lyceum Theatre
Grindlay Street EH3 9AX. Phone booking: 0131 248 4848.
Friday 3 – Saturday 25 April 2020
Preview Fri 3: 7.30pm.
Tue – Sat: 7.30pm; Matinees Weds, Sat: 2pm.
Tickets and details: Book here.
The 1967 Movie and the playscript are available on Amazon. Click the image for further details:
ENDS
