This musical marks the end of an era - the 10th anniversary of Arcola theatre and the very last time you can see a production at the Arcola Street location.

It’s Steeltown USA and the local steelworkers are eager to unionise with a campaign that’s rocking the city. The Union’s opposition, the villainously wealthy Mr Mister, has the newspaper, the local druggist, the courts and Reverend Salvation in his back pocket while local prostitute, Moll, is arrested and finds herself in the middle. Did you say revolution?

Originally directed and conceived by the legendary Orson Welles and produced by John Houseman, The Cradle Will Rock has gone down in theatrical history as the musical that defied an attempted ban by USA Federal Authorities with what may have been the most rousing and poignant opening night ever.

Marc Blitzstein is largely known as the translator of Brecht and Weill’s Threepenny Opera. Arcola Theatre’s Founder and Artistic director Mehmet Ergen directs this final Arcola Street production, his first since 2008’s hugely successful An Enemy of the People.

'exhilarating' Benedict Nightingale, The Times (on An Enemy of the People)

'burning intensity, perfectly pitched in Ergen's production' Mark Shenton, Sunday Express (on An Enemy of the People)



PLEASE NOTE: Two performances of The Cradle Will Rock ( 9 and 17 December) are Arcola Appeal Events performances. Tickets cost £65 each and are available by phone or by going the dedicated Arcola Appeal Events booking area of our website

Arcola Theatre presents

THE CRADLE WILL ROCK
Book, Music and Lyrics by Marc Blitzstein
Directed by Mehmet Ergen

Designed by Lisa Engel and Hannah Penfold
Musical Director Bob Broad
Lighting Designer Alex Wardle

Cast includes: Josie Benson, Rowan Thomas Clift, Alicia Davies, Morgan Deare, Adey Grummet, Chris Jenkins, Nichola Lagan, Adam Linstead, Ian Midlane, Rachael Louise Miller, Russell Morton, Nathan Osgood, Stuart Matthew Price, Robin Samson, Aaron Shirley and Hemi Yeroham

Photograph by Jonas Dovydenas

PLEASE NOTE: The Cradle Will Rock was originally advertised as the second half of a musical theatre evening but will now be presented on its own, starting at 8pm.

The British premiere of The Cradle Will Rock took place at Unity Theatre in 1951. Arcola Theatre gratefully acknowledges the support of the Unity Foundation in making this production possible.

TICKET INFORMATION:

Studio 1

24 Nov - 18 Dec 2010, 8pm, £16 (£10 concessions)
Previews - 24-25 November 2010, £10 (only bookable by phone)
Matinees on Sat 11 & 18 Dec at 3pm
Tuesdays - 'PAY WHAT YOU CAN' (subject to availability)

This production is a part of 'A Night Less Ordinary' - Free tickets for Under 26's! If you would like to take advantage of our preview offer please call our box office on 020 7503 1646 - these tickets are not available through our online booking service.