Equus; Tuesday 8 May - Saturday 12 May, 7.30pm

Equus

Submitted by derbytheatre on Thu, 15/12/2011 - 15:45

London Classic Theatre present; EQUUS

by Peter Shaffer

“…taut, flawless and compelling…” The Stage

"…astonishing theatricality...beautifully lit and staged…" Hexham Courant

"…quite simply, this is the kind of show for which awards are given…" WhatsOnStage

In a Hampshire stable, a youth blinds six horses with a metal spike.

Convicted of this appalling crime, seventeen-year-old Alan Strang is sent to a secure psychiatric hospital. Martin Dysart, the child psychiatrist assigned to him, begins to probe Alan’s past in an attempt to understand his motives. Initially the boy is silent and uncooperative, but as Dysart digs deeper, he begins to win Alan’s trust and the truth gradually emerges. Finally, as Alan struggles to be free of his demons, he must relive the events of that terrible night.

Inspired by a true story, Peter Shaffer's unique psychological thriller explores the complex relationships between worship, myth and sexuality.

Equus was originally staged in 1973 at the Royal National Theatre, London. In 1977, a film adaptation of the play was released starring Richard Burton and Peter Firth. In 2007, the play was revived in the West End for the first time since its première, in a critically-acclaimed production starring Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths.

Peter Shaffer was born in 1926. His award-winning plays include The Royal Hunt of the Sun (1964), Black Comedy (1965) and Amadeus (1979). Equus won the Tony Award and New York Critics Circle Award for Best New Play in 1977.

Equus contains strong language, adult themes and nudity.

Where: Derby Theatre

When: Tuesday 8 May - Saturday 12 May, 7:30pm (2:30pm matinee available on Wednesday 9 & Saturday 12)

Tickets: £8 - £21

Book Online or Call the Box Office on 01332 59 39 39

EQUUS - REVIEWS

“…I have been writing theatre reviews locally for well over 20 years and I consider that this production by LCT is the most beautifully constructed, lit and staged that I can remember…” Hexham Courant

“…Quite simply, this is the kind of show for which awards are given…” WhatsOnStage

“…London Classic Theatre produced a stunning piece of work. The material is dark but thought-provoking and performed delicately, with precision and with utmost sensitivity. A triumph…" Latest 7

“…The silence in the auditorium following Act One’s dramatic climax is broken by one audience member - “Wow… wow…”. Michael Cabot’s Equus is a production that takes you with it…” The Stage

“…Malcolm James is an impressive Martin Dysart…Carole Dance impresses as magistrate Hesther Salomon…” Northern Echo

“…The brilliance of the staging and costumes combined with the undeniable talent of the ensemble and director Michael Cabot, combined to make this a compelling and thought-provoking piece of theatre…” Berwick Advertiser

“…Matthew Pattimore, as Alan, is captivating…” The Public Reviews

“…Directed with aplomb by Michael Cabot with a striking set and mask designs by Kerry Bradley and beautifully lit by Paul Green…” British Theatre Guide

“…This touring production by London Classic Theatre, directed by Michael Cabot, is riveting…” NE4ME

“…Matthew Pattimore, as the angry, shamed teenager Alan Strang, dazzled the audience…” Sunderland Echo

“…Ultimately, this is a triumph of talent, imagination and creativity…we cannot urge you go to see this production enough…” NOTBAd

Following links to all online reviews:

WhatsOnStage - whatsonstage.com/review/equus

Hexham Courant - www.hexhamcourant.co.uk/equus

RemoteGoat - remotegoat.co.uk/review/equus

Latest 7 - thelatest.co.uk/7/review/equus

Berwick Advertiser - www.berwick-advertiser.co.uk/lifestyle/entertainment/equus

Worthing Herald - worthingherald.co.uk/lifestyle/equus

Eastern Daily Press - www.davidporter.co.uk/reviews/equus

The Public Reviews - www.thepublicreviews.com/equus