The Hampstead Theatre has announced its first two productions of 2018: the UK premiere of a witty comedy by Sarah Burgess, and the London transfer of critically acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre show Caroline, Or Change, starring Sharon D. Clarke.
Playing from 26 January – 3 March, Sarah Burgess’ breathtakingly witty and virtuosic comedy, Dry Powder, will be directed by Anna Ledwich (Labyrinth), exploring the vision, the vulnerability, and the vilification of those shaping – and skewing – the economy.
Set in a thriving New York City, Rick throws himself a lavish engagement party – in the very same week his private equity firm forced massive layoffs at a supermarket chain. So sets into motion a PR nightmare; can Rick, along with partner Seth, salvage the company’s reputation with an investment that’s both sound and PR-friendly?
This will be followed by Tony Kushner’s and Jeanine Tesori’s celebrated musical Caroline, Or Change (12 March – 21 April), following its critically acclaimed sell-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre earlier this summer.
Sharon D. Clarke (Ghost, We Will Rock You, Disney’s The Lion King) will reprise her role as Caroline Thibodeaux in this highly anticipated transfer which is directed by Michael Longhurst.
An Olivier Award winning musical with a hugely original, highly eclectic and uniquely American score, Caroline, Or Change creates an uplifting and profound portrait of America at a time of momentous social upheaval.
1963. In quiet Lake Charles, Louisiana, the destruction of a Confederate statue might just signal that change is in the air… But, whatever the progress of the civil rights movement, in the Gellman household things seem just the same – for now at least.
Eight year old Noah, heartbroken by the death of his mother and his father’s remarriage, sneaks down to the basement to spend time with the black maid he idolises, Caroline Thibodeaux: Caroline who runs everything. Whilst the basement may seem a fantastical place – even the appliances have a voice of their own – Caroline’s work there is repetitive and badly paid. But when Mrs Gellman comes up with a way for her to take a little more money home, the consequences for Caroline and Noah’s relationship are not what anybody might have expected…
Tickets for both shows can be booked through the Hampstead Theatre website.