Thriller
How do you predict what’s going to be hot at the theatre? Earlier this summer you couldn’t move for Hamlets; now, says Jerry Gunn, the executive producer of the Rose Theatre, audiences are mad to see thrillers.
It’s Jerry’s job to know these things, as he is responsible for deciding which stage shows Kingston audiences see. He is constantly out watching plays, trawling for new ideas and talent of the future, and thinking about shows to commission. You can read a full interview with Jerry Gunn on my website.
Jerry told the Culture Vulture that he is on the hunt for the right thriller for the Rose to produce in-house. Meanwhile, head down to see Hello World’s touring production of Strictly Murder, a dark mystery set in France at the outbreak of World War Two that is packed with betrayal and ingenious twists. Starring Brian Capron, who played the serial killer Richard Hillman in Coronation Street, it was written by the late, great Brian Clemens who also screen-wrote The Professionals and The Avengers. Clemens’s son Samuel directs.
Strictly Murder opens Thursday night and runs till Saturday, September 30. If you go on Thursday, there’s a free, live Q&A with the cast after the show.
One-Man Play
Wimbledon is incredibly lucky to have theatres and theatre companies making new, original work here in the community. Attic Theatre Company returns next week with the world premiere of a Tolstoy story, adapted for the stage by acclaimed playwright Stephen Sharkey. The great romantic Russian novelist’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich is a warm, wistful one-man play on the important things in life. Read my interview with Attic’s artistic director Jonathan Humphreys.
Performed cabaret-style by the talented Jack Tarlton, The Death of Ivan Ilyich opens on Friday October 6 at Merton Arts Space, and runs until October 29. Tickets £14 (£12 concessions).
The play is running as part of Wimbledon Bookfest, which is also hosting a workshop with Jonathan Humphreys and Stephen Sharkey on adapting novels for the stage. From Page to Stage is at 2pm, Sunday October 8, Merton Arts Space. Tickets £7.50.
Art Exhibition
Palimpsest, a new solo show by the internationally exhibited artist Caroline Yates opens at the Hicks Gallery on Friday, September 29, with a private view with champagne from 7-9pm. Her latest works mark a transition from figurative into abstract art.
Until October 27, Palimpsest is open Wed-Sat 10.30am-5pm. Free.
Hicks Gallery, 2 Leopold Rd, Wimbledon SW19
Poetry
THURSDAY ONLY
It’s National Poetry Day today. Celebrate with a visit to your local library to borrow a book of verse. Or enjoy some poetry chat with Wimbledon Library Poets next Thursday from 10.30am-12.30. Free, drop-in.
Screening
LAST CHANCE
If you want to see Benedict Cumberbatch’s Hamlet, they’re showing it at the HMV Curzon in Wimbledon next Thursday at 7pm under the NT Encore scheme.
About The Author
Jenny Booth
Jenny was a news journalist for The Times. An ex-teacher, mum, gardener and art lover, there’s nothing she doesn’t know about the local culture scene…