Fresh out of the gate and championing a return of Live Theatre (from the comfort of home), Emma Rice’s Wise Children will perform the critically acclaimed Romantics Anonymous live from the Bristol Old Vic. Together with Plush theatricals, Rice’s adaptation brings together lyrics from Christopher Dimond and music by Michael Kooman in a ‘digital touring’ event between September 22nd – 26th. For Scottish audiences, both our treasured Royal Lyceum & Capital Theatre will partake in the ticket sales, sharing a percentage in return.
Originally produced by Shakespeare’s Globe, Romantics Anonymous finds gifted chocolatier Angélique, crippled by social anxiety meet Jean-René, the boss of a failing chocolate factory and ofcourse, a fragile love affair unfolds. Humourous, delightfully awkward and tender, Romantics Anonymous is a sumptuously love story about shattering expectations and sourcing the courage to be happy and fulfilled.
Speaking about the production, Emma Rice said: ‘I have devoted my life to the live experience and the collective imagination – things that have proved impossible over the last few months. Whilst nothing will be able to replace the thrill of a night out at the theatre, this live broadcast is going to be as close to that delicious experience as we can possibly make it! Live, fresh, fun and intimate, this will remind us of what it is to share stories, hear music and, if true love has its way, even kiss.’
On the necessity for Theatre to adapt to the ongoing climate, artistic director Tom Morris is quoted in saying: ‘Theatre has to reinvent itself in order to survive. That’s always true, of course, and one of the great pioneers of theatrical reinvention over the last 20 years has been Emma Rice.’
Ecstatic to be the Artistic Director of her new company, Wise Children, Emma Rice has adapted, directed, and worked with countless industry performers. In 2019 she was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre at the UK Theatre Awards. With lyrics and music crafted by Christopher Dimond (lyrics) and Michael kooman (music) have been a screen and stage writing tea, reaching a wealth of viewers across 115 countries.
The live screening for Scottish audiences will take place on Tuesday, September 22nd at 19.30 pm, and information and tickets can be found here from Capital Theatres, The Royal Lyceum
For our dear friends south of the border at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton (along with a host of other theatres) can watch the event from Wednesday, September 23rd and tickets can be purchsed here.
Following the news of further postponements for Capital Theatre’s productions in the Winter season, a minimum of 90% of the Theatre’s income has been lost as its two primary income sources (ticket sales & trading) vanish. With the postponement of Sleeping Beauty, the traditional Panto, the brutal reality is that the core business, community projects and future of the King’s Theatre is now in jeopardy.
Similarly, after closing its doors for 2020 and aiming to return for a spectacular Spring 2021 return, The Royal Lyceum too faces closure and has already entered the process of staff redundancies. As official partners, along with various other Theatres, both The Royal Lyceum and Capital Theatres will receive a percentage of ticket sales in what could be an income boost that allows the curtain to rise, the drinks to pour and the spirit of the industry to flourish once more.
A ticket for Romantics Anonymous is not only the opportunity to catch an exceptional piece of Live Theatre but a small part in reconstructing the industry and saving jobs and cultural souls across Scotland and the UK.