A new version of Uncle Vanya by Anya Reiss, Olivier Award nominee Ben Ockrent’s new play Breeders directed by Tamara Harvey and Blanche McIntyre’s acclaimed production of Accolade will run as part of Stage One’s new season One Stage at the St James Theatre later this year.
The plays, which run from 3 September at the Victoria venue, are staged by three emerging producers, Emily Dobbs, Vicky Graham and Nicola Seed.
Theatrical charity Stage One, which is committed to supporting producers for the commercial theatre industry, invited developing producers to pitch a production to a panel of professionals, with Seed, Graham and Dobbs named as the three with the most commercial potential.
Graham will kick off the season, producing Ockrent’s new comedy Breeders from 3 September to 4 October. Directed by Harvey, whose recent productions include Tim Rice musical From Here To Eternity and In The Vale Of Health at the Hampstead Theatre, the play follows Andrea and her wife Caroline in their quest to have a child that shares both of their DNA.
From 8 October to 8 November, Dobbs will present Reiss’ new adaptation of Uncle Vanya. Directed by Russell Bolam, who worked with Dobbs and Reiss to bring The Seagull and Three Sisters to the Southwark Playhouse, the production marks the trio’s third collaboration on a Chekhov classic and continues their mission to reignite the playwright’s work for new audiences.
The final production, presented by Seed, is Accolade, which opened to critical acclaim at the Finborough Theatre in 2011. Playing from 12 November to 13 December, Emlyn Williams’ 1950 play about sex, scandal and blackmail earned McIntyre the title of Best Newcomer at the Critics’ Circle Awards following its run at the Earl’s Court venue.
The One Stage initiative adds to the development programme currently offered by Stage One. The charity, which also offers apprenticeships, bursaries, Start-Up awards and workshops, has created One Stage to give each producer the chance to experience all the challenges and potential risks involved in producing commercial theatre.
The season will open at the St James Theatre following productions including Torben Betts’ Invincible and the National Youth Music Theatre’s production of The Hired Man.