Shiverman - Theatre503
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
FOLLOWING the success of Madagascar in 2010, Theatre503 and Primavera are reuniting to stage the world premiere of Shiverman by American playwright James Sheldon – from May 1 to May 26, 2012.
On a tiny Melanesian island, Roy Turner – archaeologist, anthropologist, and womanizer – is on the brink of announcing the discovery of a lifetime. But as American researchers land on the island, the Okoku people stand at a crossroads. Do they uphold ancient traditions, or risk the wrath of the Shiverman?
Tom Littler, fresh from his acclaimed production of Howard Brenton’s Bloody Poetry at The Jermyn Street Theatre, directs what is described as a magical and provocative new play set within an ancient and undisturbed tribe on a remote island in the Western Pacific.
A strong ensemble cast includes Paul Mooney (Jingo, Finborough Theatre, The Beaux Stratagem, National Theatre) as Roy Turner; Lisa Kay (Absurd Person Singular, UK tour, Heartbeat, ITV); Benjamin N Cawley (Fog, Finborough Theatre, Invisible Mice, Lyric Hammersmith) and Eleanor Wyld (Antigone, Southwark Playhouse). Further casting to be announced.
James Sheldon is based in New York and his first play A Model for Mankind premiered at The Cock Tavern Theatre in 2010.
Artistic Director of Primavera, Tom Littler’s directing credits for the company include Bloody Poetry and Anyone Can Whistle (Jermyn Street Theatre); Antigone (Southwark Playhouse); Madagascar (Theatre503); Origin of the Species (Arcola Theatre); Stephen Sondheim’s Saturday Night (Jermyn Street/West End/Windsor); and Jingo (Finborough Theatre).
Elsewhere, his credits include A Little Night Music (Central Theatre Budapest/Menier Chocolate Factory); Murder in the Cathedral (Oxford Playhouse); and Absurd Person Singular (UK tour – revival). He was associate director of the Peter Hall Company from 2007 – 2009.
Shiverman is designed by Nicky Bunch, with lighting by Tim Mascall, costumes by Emily Stuart and sound by George Dennis.
Tickets: £14, £9 concessions. Pay What You Can Sundays. Tickets are available from the box office on 020 7978 7040 or online at www.theatre503.com.
Times: Tuesday to Saturday at 7.45pm, Sundays at 5pm.