• Turandot

    09 Sep 2008

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    Who knew that Brecht wrote pantomime? The German playwright is more famous for his epic themes and seriousness of topic than his ability to entice a titter, yet in Hampstead theatre’s production of Turandot, we have the UK premiere of Brecht’s only comedy. Read more


Turandot

Showing at: Hampstead Theatre

Box Office: 020 77229301

Age: General

Genre: Play

Sub Genre: Comedy

The Emperor of China is not happy. A bumper harvest has devalued his cotton shares and drained the imperial coffers. His team of spin doctors resort to desperate measures to bump up the price, but will they be able to conceal the truth from the public? With the hand of the beautiful Princess Turandot on offer to the man whose intellect can save the dynasty, the dashing Gogher Gogh arrives at the palace... but he's not exactly the sharpest tool in the box.

Written just before Brecht's death and never performed in the UK, this comic parable is based on a Chinese fairytale which also inspired Puccini's opera of the same name. In Brecht's piece, Turandot takes on an irreverant tone in a comedy about the true nature of knowledge.

For mor about Turandot at the Hampstead theatre, read the First Night Feature.

Performance Details

  • previews from: 04 Sep 2008
  • opening night: 08 Sep 2008
  • closing: 04 Oct 2008

Assisted Performances

captioned performance: By STAGETEXT on Tue 30 Sep at 19:30, tickets £10 T: 020 7722 9301 E: access@hampsteadtheatre.com

audio described performance: By VocalEyes on Sat 27 Sep at 15:00 (Touch-Tour 13:30), tickets £10 T: 020 7722 9301 E: access@hampsteadtheatre.com

 

cast: Chipo Chung, David Yip

author: Bertolt Brecht

translated by: Edward Kemp

director: Anthony Clark

sound: Steven Brown

lighting designer: James Farncombe

designer: Garance Marneur

producer: Hampstead Theatre

 

map: View Map

address: Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, London, United Kingdom, NW3 3EU

nearest tube: Swiss Cottage (outside theatre)

nearest bus: C11, 13, 31, 46, 82, 113, 187, 268 (mobility buses)

nearest train: South Hampstead (approx. 500m)

parking: Car parking near theatre is free in the evenings. Taxis drop off and pick up right outside main entrance. Patrons welcome to use a private phone to arrange pick up.

air conditioned: Yes

 

Assisted Performance Booking Information

Access Booking: Tel: 020 7722 9301 Fax: 020 7449 4201

Accessible Facilities Venue Information

discounts: Discounts available for all disabled theatregoers and their companions.

limited mobility: Seats in the centre stalls have slightly better leg room. Proviing there are no wheelchair users, seats G1, G2, G3, G4 have unlimited leg room - phone first to be certain of availability. Rows F, G and H are best.

access description: Main entrance at ground floor level, with one door assisted and appropriately signed. Hard flooring for effective wheeled traffic, and the two glass doors and walls are marked for improved visibility. Low level Box Office/reception counter (0.95m) on the right, inside foyer. Lift with low level controls, Braille and voice announcements serving all 3 levels to the right beyond the bar in the foyer. Access to Stalls on ground level via a slight ramp (25 steps front to back) and 22 steps up to the upper foyer to access the Circle (9 steps up to back). Stairlift available.

hearing impaired: Infra-red system in auditorium and induction loop at Box Office and bar.

guide dogs policy: 2 Guide dogs allowed into auditorium, alternatively staff are happy to dog sit in the foyer.

wheelchairs: 5 wheelchair spaces and 4 transfer seats are available in the Stalls.

toilets: Men's, women's on all levels, all with level access.

disabled toilets: Adapted toilets on all 3 levels.

bars: Cafébar in foyer with low level counter (0.95m), induction loop and moveable seating. Menu available in large print - please ask. Drinks may be brought to disabled customers in the auditorium.

Chipo Chung plays the title role in Turandot, Brecht's comedy at the Hampstead (photo: Robert Day)

Chipo Chung plays the title role in Turandot

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