It’s been announced that John Pielmeier’s stage adaptation of The Exorcist will open at London’s Phoenix Theatre on October 20 to running until March 10, 2018. It is produced by Bill Kenwright, whose production of Evita is currently running at the venue.
The play, which is based on the horror novel by William Peter Blatty rather than the iconic film, originally ran at Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 2016 and was much admired.
Once again Sean Mathias will direct, with design by Anna Fleischle, lighting by Tim Mitchell, sound by Adam Cork and illusions by Ben Hart.
We have very few details yet on anything else, casting is to be announced but I know Jeremy Meadow, the guy in charge, and his enthusiasm about the midlands premiere has made me very keen to see it. Commendably although they fine tuned the show some time ago they’ve waited until the right modestly sized West End Theatre became available so that the audience can fully appreciate some of the beautiful up-close illusions, like a flower withering and falling to pieces before your eyes.
The Knewright website describes the show as follows -
“There’s something wrong with Regan. But don’t worry, she’s not alone…
When the medical profession fails to provide answers to young Regan’s strange symptoms her desperate mother Chris turns to a local priest for help. But before Father Damian can tackle what’s before him, he must overcome his own shaken beliefs, as this fight is for more than just one girl’s soul…
Inspired by true events, the two time Oscar-winning film version of this story has terrified generations the world over since its release in 1973. Now this brand new stage production of The Exorcist is unleashed for the very first time in a uniquely theatrical experience”
But be advised, they also say -
“PLEASE NOTE this production contains adult material which may shock and offend. Age guidance 18+. Strictly no latecomers will be admitted”
More details as we get them.
Recently the Charing Cross Theatre has successfully reinvented itself as a home for innovative musical theatre. If you haven’t seen their latest show Yank, a tear jerking story of gay love in World War II, do go, it’s packed with gorgeous tunes and I highly recommend it.