Rehearsal images have been released for the forthcoming production of The Return of the Soldier, which has its regional premiere at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester in September, following its critically-acclaimed London run in 2014.
The show, the fourth in-house production at the award-winning Ancoats theatre, is a musical adaptation of Rebecca West’s remarkable novella written at the end of World War One, with music by Charles Miller and a book & lyrics by Tim Sanders.
It is at Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester from Thursday 6 to Saturday 29 September and it comes to Manchester following its critically-acclaimed premiere at the Jermyn Street Theatre in London in 2014.
The show then goes to the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich from Monday 1 to Saturday 6 October.
Set in Harrow during the summer of 1916, The Return of the Soldier is an intensely bitter-sweet tale, dissecting the very different love of three women for one man. When Christopher returns from the front, shell-shocked and with memory loss, there are profound consequences for all three women and their love. In the end, only an extraordinary sacrifice will restore the fragile status quo.
Composer Charles Miller puts a unique and contemporary twist on several English music styles from the period in his evocative score. Tim Sanders’ script aims to capture West’s sardonic and contemporary humour as well as her painfully accurate insights into human folly. This exciting new musical adaptation will bring a compelling story of war to a whole new generation.
Producer Katy Lipson said: “It couldn’t feel more perfect to bring a new British chamber musical The Return of the Soldier to the beautiful Hope Mill Theatre four years after its first London workshop to coincide with the centenary of World War One. We are incredibly lucky and excited to be working with yet another wonderful group of performers to bring this powerful and emotional story to life.”
LISTING INFORMATION
The Return of the Soldier
Thursday 6 – Saturday 29 September
Hope Mill Theatre
Hope Mill, Ancoats, 113 Pollard Street
Manchester, M4 7JA
Tickets from £16. Visit www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk
