Rep: Radical Classical

Flywheel Theatre Company, Veritas Productions, and Riverside Studios Productions present 

REP: RADICAL CLASSICAL

5 ACTORS. 5 PLAYS. 5 WEEKS.

Rep is back. Inspired by traditional companies of the past, Flywheel use one of the most intense formats of theatre-making to celebrate 50 years of the iconic Riverside Studios.

With a season of plays inspired by half a century of past productions, Flywheel breathe new life into classics. Expect a season of comedies and tragedies that reflect today’s world - exploring themes of  judgement, division, and the imbalance of power within family, society, and politics.

A core ensemble of five actors will perform in all five productions, embracing the flexibility and fast-paced nature of the creative work and injecting each show with a unique intensity.

Embracing the history of not just the plays, but the creatives who have worked at Riverside in the last 50 years, our interpretations of classics are inspired by legendary playwrights like Samuel Beckett; internationally renowned companies including Cheek By Jowl, Complicité, and The Wooster Group; and individually brilliant artists like Brian Cox, Helen Mirren, Peter Gill, and Simon Callow.

A season of Rep is a whirlwind journey for cast, crew, and audience alike. Join us for an incredible season of five productions, and immerse yourself in the full experience of Rep.

The Season:

The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov

What must be sacrificed to give way to the new?

When Riverside Studios opened in 1976, the first production was Chekhov’s infamous comedy-drama, directed by Riverside’s first Artistic Director, Peter Gill, and starring Judy Parfitt in the role of Madame Ranevskaya.

The School for Wives by Molière

A man must protect his honour, but at what cost?

The controversial and absurd French comedy was brought to Riverside by The English Touring Company in 1995.

Phaedra by Jean Racine

Forbidden love threatens to overwhelm a family torn apart.

The Greek classic, retold by a French Master, has been performed several times at Riverside, including a production by Willem Dafoe’s The Wooster Group in 2002.

Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare

The path to justice is rarely clear. 

A problem play, both comedy and tragedy, this notoriously unplaceable play starred Helen Mirren in its 1979 Riverside production.

The Virtuous Burglar by Dario Fo

What’s wrong with some good old-fashioned thievery? Well, you might get caught red-handed!

With his wife Franca Rame, Fo worked at Riverside Studios several times, developing new works that were performed by both of the couple.

Praise for Flywheel’s inaugural season at the Old Red Lion:

For The Rover:

‘an excellent production; ebullient, exuberant, entertaining, grabbing theatre by the balls, pumping new blood, vigour and accessibility into the 1600’s.’ - London At Large

For Lysistrata:

‘deliciously bawdy humour and a powerful message of female power’ - London Pub Theatres

For The Lodger:

‘Ingenious… Rep theatre is alive and well’ - The Guardian

The Rep Ensemble:

TBC

Creative Team:

Artistic Director - Benedict Esdale

Producer - Adeyinka Akinrinade, Veritas Productions

Associate Producer - Nik Haukohl

Stage & Costume Designer - Rebecca Ward

Lighting Designer - Brett Kasza

Dramaturg - William J Dunleavy

Stage Manager - Lauren Vickers

Casting Director - Fran Cattaneo

Assistant Producer - Mercy Ola

Creative Associate - Jack Robertson

Marketing - Cup of Ambition

Photographer - Miranda Mazzarella

Costumes - Supplied by Thespis Theatrical Costumiers