Northern Broadsides’ and New Vic Theatre’s Co-production of J M Barrie’s regency comedy is touring the UK through to July, in a new version – with added Yorkshire wit.
This sweet and sumptuous show was created with a team of retired workers from the Halifax factory where Quality Street™ chocolates have been proudly made since 1936, wrapping the action in their witty and outrageous observations.
Laurie Sansom, Director of Quality Street and Artistic Director of Northern Broadside “I can’t wait to share this charming re-discovered play with audiences up and down the country who we didn’t get to in 2020. It has the customary wit and boldness of Broadsides’ best work, and has been given an irreverent spin by the wonderful women of Halifax who shared their stories with us and gave us their take on Barrie’s sparkling period comedy. It also has one of the greatest comic parts ever written for a woman in the shape of the spirited Phoebe Throssel, finding her own unconventional way in a Regency world of fans, balls and uniforms. We hope we can bring some brightly coloured joy to audiences looking for some warmhearted entertainment in difficult times.”
Phoebe Throssel runs a school for unruly children on Quality Street. Ten years on after a tearful goodbye, her old flame returns from fighting Napoleon. But the look of disappointment on Captain Valentine’s face when he greets an older, less glamorous Phoebe, spurs our determined heroine to action, becoming the wild and sparkling Miss Livvy, a younger alter-ego who soon beguiles the clueless Captain.
As their romance is rekindled, and Miss Livvy melts the Captain’s heart, Phoebe must juggle both personas while trying to avoid scandalizing the town with her deception, or wrecking her future with the man she loves.
Previous Praise for Quality Street
★★★★ A sweet and slightly nutty confection. The Mail on Sunday
★★★★ A lot of giddy fun. The Telegraph
★★★★ J.M. Barrie’s frothy confection is mined for all its comic potential. The Stage
Tickets are available here.
Director Laurie Sansom
Designer Jessica Worrall
Lightening Designer Joe Price
Sound designer Nick Sagar
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Photography by Andrew Billington. Cover photograph: left to right Jamie Smelt, Paula Lane and Alex Moran.
