Roald Dahl’s magical story is brought to life on Perth stage
The world premiere of a Roald Dahl story is delighting children and adults on stage in Perth Theatre.
Helen Milne Productions, Perth Theatre and The Roald Dahl Story Company are a remarkable magic show – a production of Roald Dahl’s The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar which opened last night at Perth Theatre. It runs until April 2 before touring to Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling and Eden Court, Inverness.
Adapted for stage by Rob Drummond and directed by Ben Harrison, this production marks the first time that the story of Henry Sugar – taken from the collection of seven short stories, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More (1977) by Roald Dahl – will be brought to the UK stage.
Director Ben told the PA how the story gets a rethink and is brought bang up to date by including a social media ‘influencer, 14-year old Mary.
“Mary is less obsessed with accumulating wealth, for her though, it is all about the ‘likes’ she can draw from her audience.”
When the PA spoke to Ben, he was busy doing the tech rehearsal of the incredible magic effects and illusions that make this a wonderful show to watch. It’s been very valuable working the last details out at Perth Theatre. Not only are the tech team fantastic to work with but Perth Theatre has the room to work whole scenes on stage.
“The show never stops, the magic is part of the story. I’m very happy with how it has developed.
“It’s been five years since the idea for this production began. I’m very excited to finally open and share the magic.”
The cast includes the veteran Scottish stage actor David
Rankine, who takes on the title role of Henry Sugar. David is a frequent collaborator of Pitlochry Festival Theatre and has worked with some of the biggest institutions in Scottish theatre, from National Theatre of Scotland to A Play, Pie and a Pint.
Rosalind Sydney, in the role of surgeon and author Dr Jane Cartwright, marks her return to the stage after a series of roles in high profile television programmes such as BBC’s The Nest with Martin Compston and My Son with James McAvoy.
Also joining the cast is Johndeep More, star of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Any Dream Will Do, who will be playing the role of Imhrat Khan, the Man Who Could See Without His Eyes.
Johndeep is a graduate of the
Royal Academy of Music and has also starred in productions for the National Theatre including A Winter’s Tale for younger audiences.
Eve Buglass makes her professional debut in the production performing the role of social media-obsessed Mary and Dave Fishley, known to global audiences from films such as The Fifth Element and If Only… takes on the role of Henry’s friend and accountant, Michael.
Henry Sugar is at Perth Theatre until Saturday, April 2 at 7.30pm with extra 2.30pm performances on Thursday, March 31 and Saturday, April 2.at 2.30pm. Tickets from Horsecross Arts cost from £13.
Age guidance for the show is 11+
It’s been five years since the idea for this production began. I’m very excited to share the magic