THE BEEKEEPER OF ALEPPO
Adapted for the stage by Nesrin Alrefaai and Matthew Spangler
from the acclaimed novel by Christy Lefteri
Director – Miranda Cromwell
Designer – Ruby Pugh
Lighting Designer – Ben Ormerod
Casting Director – Christopher Worrall
Friday 3 – Saturday 25 Feb 2023
Press performance – Wednesday 8 February 7pm
Touring to 10 June
Reuniting the team that produced the international stage sensation The Kite Runner Nottingham Playhouse kicks off 2023 with the world premiere of Christy Lefteri’s gripping best-selling novel, The Beekeeper of Aleppo. Adapted by Nesrin Alrefaai and Matthew Spangler (who also adapted The Kite Runner) and directed by Olivier Award winning Miranda Cromwell (Death of a Salesman – Young Vic, Piccadilly Theatre and Broadway), the production runs at Nottingham Playhouse from 3 to 25 February, followed by a run at Liverpool Playhouse from 1 to 11 March, before embarking on a national tour.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo tells the storyofNuri, a beekeeper; and his wife, Afra, an artist. They live a simple life, rich in family and friends, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo – until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape. On their terrifying journey, they must face the pain of their own unbearable loss alongside incredible danger. Above all, they must journey to find each other again.
This compassionate and beautiful play is a story of connection – between friends, families and strangers.
Christy Lefteri’s novel was the Winner of the Aspen Words Award, Runner up for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and one of The Times top three bestselling books of 2020.
Nottingham Playhouse Artistic Director, Adam Penford says –
We’re delighted to be bringing this beautiful and humane story to the stage. Miranda Cromwell is one of the UK’s most exciting directors, and it’s an honour to welcome her to Nottingham, following her recent success with Death of a Salesman on Broadway. It’s also a pleasure to be reunited with our co-producers, UK Productions and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, and writer Matthew Spangler, following the continuing global success of The Kite Runner. Nottingham Playhouse proudly holds Theatre of Sanctuary status and this production continues our commitment to supporting refugees and asylum seekers, by telling their stories onstage, and through offstage initiatives, such as the Conversation Cafe.
Director of The Beekeeper of Aleppo, Miranda Cromwell says –
I am so thrilled to be working on this beautiful adaptation of Christy Lefteri’s stunning book. An arresting, courageous exploration of one family’s struggle to deal with the aftermath of losing everything. Deeply moving and visually striking this layered story illuminates their nearly impossible journey to find a way to live again, a way back to each other. It holds a mirror to this moment in our history when so many people are being forced from their homes. It is a call to arms for compassion, understanding, connection and love.
Box office:
https://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/
0115 941 9419
Prices from £10.50 – £33
INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, TWITTER – @NottmPlayhouse
THE BEEKEEPER OF ALEPPO
DATES
Fri 3 February 2023 to Sat 25 February 2023
Nottingham Playhouse
Wed 1 March 2023 to Sat 11 March 2023
Liverpool Playhouse
https://www.everymanplayhouse.com
Tues 21 March to Sat 25 March 2023
Salisbury Playhouse
https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk
Tue 28 March 2023 to Sat 1 April 2023
Cardiff, New Theatre
https://newtheatrecardiff.co.uk
Tue 4 to Sat 8 April 2023
Shrewsbury, Theatre Severn
https://www.theatresevern.co.uk
Tue 11 – Sat 15 April 2023
Dublin, Gaiety Theatre
Tue 18 April 2023 to Sat 22 April 2023
Salford, The Lowry
Tue 25 April 2023 to Sat 29 April 2023
Glasgow, Theatre Royal
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/theatre-royal-glasgow/
Tue 2 May 2023 to Sat 6 May 2023
London, Richmond Theatre
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/
Tue 9- Sat 13 May 2023
Norwich Theatre Royal
Tue 23 – Sat 27 May 2023
Coventry, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
Wed 31 May – Sat 3 June 2023
Leeds Playhouse
Tue 6 June 2023 to Sat 10 June 2023
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Theatre Royal
https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/
Tue 13 June 2023 to Sat 17 June 2023
Birmingham Repertory Theatre
https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
Tue 20 June 2023 to Sat 24 June 2023
Plymouth, Theatre Royal
Tue 27 June to Sat 1 July 2023
Guildford Yvonne Arnaud
https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/
Nottingham Playhouse is dedicated to making bold and thrilling theatre in the heart of Nottingham and was named Regional Theatre of the Year in The Stage Awards 2019. In 2021, both Chief Executive Stephanie Sirr and Artistic Director Adam Penford featured in The Stage’s 100 and Stephanie Sirr was awarded the MBE for Services to Theatre in 2022.
Following two years of closure and disruption due to Covid, in which the theatre faced the challenge by creating new work and moving to digital platforms, Nottingham Playhouse reopened its doors in summer 2021 with an acclaimed production of Pam Gems’ Piaf, starring Jenna Russell in the title role, Mark Gatiss’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol, which completely sold out and transferred to The Alexandra Palace Theatre for a six-week run. This year the theatre has continued its triumphant return with a critically praised stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful, which subsequently toured to venues across the country, Caroline Bird’s Red Ellen, the world premieres of Nathaniel Price’s First Touch, Styles and Drewe’s new musical Identical and packed houses for Adrian Scarborough’s adaptation of Alan Bennett’s The Clothes They Stood Up In. 2022 culminates with the legendary Playhouse Panto which this year is Dick Whittington.
Following The Beekeeper of Aleppo, spring 2023 sees Samson Hawkins’s Village Idiot, a touring co-production between Nottingham Playhouse, Theatre Royal Stratford East and Ramps on the Moon, originally commissioned by Nottingham Playhouse.
Nottingham Playhouse believes that theatre should be accessible to everyone. Its Encore sessions created 2,240 engagements with over 50s in the past year and the Playhouse has continued to reach out to Nottingham’s communities, including young people and those who are at risk of being isolated or marginalised. Its Amplify programme – which seeks to inspire and support theatre-makers from the East Midlands – offers one-to-one sessions, panel discussions, open call outs and podcasts.
Nottingham Playhouse Trust Ltd relies on ticket sales for 75% of its income and continues to fundraise through its Curtain Up appeal. It is a registered charity (no. 1109342). https://nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/
Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse are two brilliant theatres, here for artists and audiences and the magic that happens when they come together.
A local artistic force with national significance and an international reputation, we use the power of theatre to inspire, entertain and nurture positive social change.
Whether you visit us at the Everyman or the Playhouse, see our work online or out in the community, a warm welcome awaits you.
We’re grateful for the continued support of Arts Council England, Liverpool City Council, our donors, patrons, partners and our audiences. http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/
Established in 1995, UK Productions is responsible for over 200 musical and drama productions nationally, internationally, in the West End and on Broadway. Producing credits include The Kite Runner, Legally Blonde – the Musical 42nd Street, Oklahoma!, Singin’ in the Rain, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, South Pacific, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Jekyll & Hyde – the Musical, Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof, Murdered to Death, Anything Goes, The Pirates of Penzance, and Barnum. They are also renowned pantomime producers and have productions the length and breadth of the country. During Christmas 2022/23 they will have 11 productions in number 1 theatres. The company operate a busy set and costume production and hire business, supplying musicals, plays and pantomime sets, props and costumes to commercial and amateur producers nationally and internationally. https://www.ukproductions.co.uk/
East Midlands Theatre. 