Nottingham Playhouse has announced its new Summer / Autumn 2022 season, which includes a brand new adaptation of Alan Bennett’s short novel The Clothes They Stood Up In.
Running from 9 to 24 September 2022, The Clothes They Stood Up In stars Olivier Award winners Sophie Thompson (Present Laughter) and Adrian Scarborough (Leopoldstadt).
Adrian Scarborough has also adapted the story, which is packed full of Alan Bennett’s trademark wit.
The story centres on mild-mannered middle-aged couple Maurice and Rosemary Ransome. A night at the opera ends with a shock when they open their front door to discover that their flat is completely empty. From light bulbs to carpets to toilet paper, even their chicken casserole has been stolen. As they attempt to unravel what has happened they are forced to examine their lives and their relationship and are confronted with some uncomfortable truths.
Adam Penford, Artistic Director of Nottingham Playhouse, said in a press statement that: “The Clothes They Stood Up In has been a labour of love, developed over several years, and I’m delighted it’s finally hitting the stage. Alan’s story is a beautiful exploration of marriage and dreams unfulfilled – very funny, characteristically understated, combined with a gripping plot. Sophie Thompson and Adrian Scarborough are two of our nation’s finest actors.”
More about the Nottingham Playhouse season
Other new shows in the season include an al-fresco production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream; the Sheffield Theatres and Ramps on The Moon production of Much Ado About Nothing; the regional premiere of Natasha Gordon’s funny new play Nine Night; and this year’s Christmas panto, Dick Whittington.
There will also be a programme of already announced work this Summer, including new play Red Ellen by Caroline Bird; the world premiere of Nathaniel Price’s First Touch; and a new musical adaptation of Erik Kästner’s novel and subsequent movie, The Parent Trap, called Identical, which runs from 26 July to 14 August, directed by Trevor Nunn and with music and lyrics are by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe (Mary Poppins).
