Northern Broadsides’ critically acclaimed production of Githa Sowerby’s famous attack on capitalism, Rutherford & Son, will transfer to the St James theatre this summer.
Directed by the renowned Jonathan Miller, Rutherford & Son will play at the recently opened venue from 4 to 29 June with the Halifax-based theatre company’s Artistic Director Barrie Rutter in the lead role of John Rutherford.
Sowerby’s provocative play tackling issues of family dynamics both at home and in business was hailed as a sensation when it premiered in 1912 at the Royal Court theatre. Set in the same year and relocated from Gateshead to industrial Yorkshire for Miller’s version, the drama tells the story of iron-fisted Rutherford as he battles the scheming rebellion of his eldest son and his daughter’s scandalous love-affair, while fighting to prevent the legacy of the family glassworks from shattering.
Speaking about the transfer to the Victoria-based venue, Rutter described himself as “absolutely thrilled,” adding: “With a creative team led by Jonathan Miller and a dynamic cast, the production guarantees to be a treat for all. Let Rutherford bloom.”
The Olivier Award-winning director Miller is arguably now better known for his many acclaimed opera productions than for his numerous theatre credits, which span more than six decades, with his most recent being Bristol Tobacco Factory’s Hamlet. Adding to Rutter’s excitement, the director commented: “It’s such great news that Rutherford & Son will transfer to the St James theatre. As soon as I read the play, I was attracted to its straight forward dramatic simplicity and the fact that it seemed unexpectedly relevant. It is an incredibly important piece of theatre.”
Joining Rutter in cast are Nicholas Shaw, Andrew Grose, Sara Poyzer, Kate Anthony, Catherine Kinsella and Richard Standing with further casting to be announced.