Comeback for the Curve
Revolving stage has been donated by Sir Cameron Mackintosh
THEATRE TO REOPEN NEXT MONTH AS 533-CAPACITY AUDITORIUM
LEICESTER’S flagship theatre, Curve, is to reopen next month.
The theatre, which was forced to close on March 16, will reopen “for re-imagined, socially distanced concert performances of acclaimed Made at Curve productions, using the building’s unique theatre design”.
Ria Jones and Danny Mac will return to star in Sunset Boulevard.
The theatre’s management plans to raise the walls between its theatre spaces – a feature of architect Rafael Vinoly’s intricate design of the building – to reopen as a 533-seat, socially distanced auditorium, with audiences enjoying live performances from all four sides of the stage. A triple-revolve stage, donated by theatrical producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh, will help to create an epic feel.
Curve’s reopening has been made possible by grant funding from the government’s Culture Recovery Fund and the ongoing support of Arts Council England and Leicester City Council.
Christmas will see the return of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, Sunset Boulevard, from December 14 to January 3, which was also awarded the title of best regional production at the 2018 WhatsOnStage Awards.
The concert performances will be directed by Nikolai Foster, with Ria Jones and Danny Mac (winner of the Manchester Theatre Award for best actor in a visiting production) reprising their roles as Norma Desmond and Joe Gillis. The performances will also feature a 16-piece orchestra.
Kicking off the new year from January 25 to February 6, Curve will revive its 2018 production of Memoirs Of An Asian Football Casual, winner of the Asian Media Award for best stage production.
Director Foster will bring a stadium feel to the Leicester drama based on the life of former football hooligan Riaz Khan.
Curve has also reaffirmed its commitment to developing new work. A group of local creatives and theatre makers will take up residency in the new year.
As the building reopens for performances, Curve will also welcome back its youth and community companies and associate artists and groups who have continued to engage in classes with the theatre online during the closure.
Safety measures for audiences include a one-way system, additional cleaning and temperature checks before entry. Further information can be found on the theatre’s website.
Tickets for all shows are on general sale.