Inspired by its unique dystopian premise, Jamie Lloyd’s forthcoming West End offering Urinetown The Musical will hold a special gala performance on 20 October to help raise funds for charity Water.org
Marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration between the quirky musical set in a world suffering from severe drought and the Matt Damon-founded sanitation organisation, the gala will help raise awareness of the real global water crisis happening today.
“The best sort of theatre engages directly with the world,” director Lloyd commented, when explaining the decision to join forces with the charity. “It may be great fun, but it should also be vital and apposite, and perhaps, instigate a broader discussion. Urinetown’s dystopian future does not have to be a prediction unless we make it so.”
Arriving in the Apollo Theatre from 29 September following its hit run at the St James Theatre earlier this year, Urinetown is a satirical musical that centres on a corrupt town where, because of an extreme water shortage, private toilets are unthinkable and against the law. Those that get caught short soon find themselves taken on a one-way trip to Urinetown.
While the musical, which will see original cast members Jenna Russell, Jonathan Slinger and Marc Elliott reprise their roles, keeps audiences entertained with a hilarious script and witty songs, Water.org has embraced the opportunity to use the show’s fitting storyline to highlight real issues.
Around 780 million people in the world are unable to access safe water and a staggering one child a minute dies from water-related illnesses. Water.org works to develop and deliver solutions to the crisis and help communities to ensure everyone has access to safe water and sanitation.
Commenting on the new partnership, Water.org’s co-founder Gary White said: ““Water.org welcomes Urinetown’s support to share our vision of a world where everyone has access to safe drinking water and can experience the dignity of a toilet.”
Tickets are available for the gala from £29.50. A top price ticket for £125 will also offer access to a special post-performance gala reception attended by the show’s talented cast. Visit www.urinetown.co.uk/gala.php for more information and to book tickets.