Following a successful UK premiere at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Through the Looking Glass Productions in association with Yvonne Arnaud Theatre presents A Distant Country Called Youth at Cheltenham Everyman Studio Theatre between 17th and 19th February.  An intimate look at Tennessee Williams in his own words, the play is adapted by Steve Lawson from the selected letters of the US playwright, renowned writer of The Glass Menagerie and A Streetcar Named Desire.

 “The play is an inspiration to anyone, particularly the young, to follow their dreams”

                                                                                        British Theatre Guide

A Distant Country Called Youth is a one man show that weaves together elements from the young Thomas Lanier’s own tormented family life – before he would be known as the celebrated playwright Tennessee Williams. The letters include personal correspondence with his family and mentally ill sister as well as accounts of his distant travels, casual lovers and struggling early career before the successful Broadway opening of The Glass Menagerie.

Actor Oliver Andrews brings to life these humorous, vulnerable and highly personal letters and the production is directed by David Wike who is Artistic Director and co-founder of Through the Looking Glass Productions. David trained as a scriptwriter at Bournemouth University and as a Director at the Bristol Old Vic.

Co founded by David Wike and Grace Alexander-Scott, Through the Looking Glass Productions aspires to be a nomadic producing theatre. It seeks to share a passion for storytelling through UK premieres, existing narratives, education and community support work and to bring together the best of contemporary theatre practice, storytelling, education, training and literary theatrical tradition.

Listings information

A Distant Country Called Youth - a selection of letters by Tennessee Williams, adapted by Steve Lawson

Venue: Cheltenham Everyman Studio Theatre

Dates: Thursday 17th – Friday 18th February, 7.45pm
       Saturday 19th February, 8pm

Booking:
Tickets:  £7.50 (+ £1 booking fee)
Phone: 01242 572573                                     
On-line: www.everymantheatre.org.uk
 
Cast and creative team:
Cast : Oliver Andrews
Director/Designer David Wike                                                       
Producer : Grace Alexander-Scott
 
Website: Further information about the company can be found at http://www.throughthelookingglassproductions.co.uk/
 
For further details please contact:
Grace Alexander-Scott, Artistic Producer – Through the Looking Glass Productions press@throughthelookingglassproductions.com or telephone 0781 320 5858