There Came a Gypsy Riding - Almeida Theatre
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
MICHAEL Attenborough, Artistic Director of the Almeida Theatre, will direct the world premiere of Frank McGuinness’ There Came a Gypsy Riding at the Almeida Theatre from January 11 to March 3, 2007.
The McKenna family convenes at their remote holiday home in the West of Ireland to mark the 21st birthday of their late son Gene. Eccentric cousin Bridget appears along the causeway, inviting herself for birthday cake and conversation.
But Bridget is ready to expose a family secret, and even Margaret, the unstoppable mother, and Leo, the calm father, can’t hold things together in the face of an unexpected visit from the past.
The cast includes Eileen Atkins, Elaine Cassidy, Aidan McArdle, Ian McElhinney and Imelda Staunton.
McGuinness’ many plays include Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme, Gates of Gold, The Bread Man, Innocence, Dolly West’s Kitchen, The Bird Sanctuary, Carthaginians and most recently, Sleeping Like Magpies.
He has also translated many works, including The Storm, Phaedra, Hecuba, Peer Gynt, A Doll’s House, Electra, Hedda Gabler, Three Sisters and Yerma; while his film and TV credits include Dancing at Lughnasa, Henhouse and Scout.
Attenborough’s productions as Artistic Director of the Almeida Theatre include The Mercy Seat, Five Gold Rings, Brighton Rock, The Late Henry Moss and Enemies.