THE McOnie Company’s inaugural production Drunk, a theatre-dance revue, premieres at Leicester’s Curve Theatre on Tuesday, January 28, 2014, before transferring to London’s Bridewell Theatre, where it runs from Wednesday, February 5 to March 1, 2014.
Celebrating one of man’s greatest vices, Drunk is described as a wickedly delicious cocktail of theatre and dance that takes audiences on an intoxicating journey through some of history’s greatest tipples, and the victims who fall prey to their mood altering qualities.
From the ‘Shots’, the stag do lads with an aggressive case of ‘little man syndrome’; to ‘Vodka’, the ageing and diet conscious Russian actress living in the faded glamour of her past, Drunk is an irreverent and affectionate look at what the drink we order says about us.
With an original score from award-winning composer Grant Olding, a live band and a talented company of dancers, Drunk is a frenetic dance-drama that explores the relationship we have with our ultimate drug of choice: alcohol.
The cast features Anabel Kutay (as Absinthe), Simon Hardwick (Cider), Katy Lowenhoff (Champagne), Ashley Andrews (Scotch), Gemma Sutton (Ice), Fela Lufadeju (Rum), Lucinda Laurence (Vodka) and Daniel Collins (Martini).
Anabel Kutay’s recent dance credits include Play Without Words, Dorian Gray and Swan Lake for Matthew Bourne’s company New Adventures. Her musical theatre work includes Dirty Dancing (Aldwych Theatre), Flashdance The Musical (UK tour), the White Queen in Chess in Concert (Royal Albert Hall) and The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre). Kutay was also a contestant on BBC’s So You Think You Can Dance.
Simon Hardwick recently starred as Al in the Broadway production of A Chorus Line at the London Palladium. His other recent credits include Footloose (UK tour), High School Musical (Hammersmith Apollo), Grease (Piccadilly Theatre) and Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre).
Katy Lowenhoff joins Drunk direct from Matthew Bourne’s hugely successful UK and international production of Sleeping Beauty. She has also performed for Matthew Bourne in Play Without Words, in the principal role of Clara in Nutcracker!, Vivien in Cinderella and Spanish Princess in the UK and international tour of Swan Lake. Her other dance work includes Adam Cooper’s Shall We Dance (Sadler’s Wells) and English National Ballet’s Swan Lake (Royal Albert Hall).
Ashley Andrews has recently appeared in the UK premiere tour of 9 to 5 The Musical, Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre), Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace Theatre) and the UK tours of Fame, High School Musical and Never Forget. Dance work includes Shoes at Sadler’s Wells.
Gemma Sutton is currently starring as Roxie Hart in Chicago at the Curve Theatre, Leicester. Her other recent work includes Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray (UK tour), covering the role of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (Savoy Theatre), Laurey in Oklahoma! (UK tour) and Gone With The Wind (New London Theatre).
Fela Lufadeju is currently appearing in Chicago at the Curve Theatre, Leicester. Other recent credits include Duane in Hairspray (UK tour) and Jordan in Dirty Dancing (UK tour).
Lucinda Laurence’s recent credits include Kiss Me Kate (Old Vic), Wonderful Town (UK premiere tour), Gladys in 42nd Street (Chichester Festival Theatre), Love Never Dies (Adelphi Theatre) and Mary Poppins (UK tour).
Daniel Collins recently returned from playing Lord Rupert in the US tour of Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty, a role he originated in last year’s world premiere at Sadler’s Wells. His work for Matthew Bourne also includes the principal role of Fritz in Nutcracker!, Cinderella, Swan Lake and Play Without Words. His musical theatre credits include On The Town (Théâtre du Châtelet and London Coliseum) and Sinatra (UK tour).
Produced by Lucy Ockenden for The McOnie Company in association with Jim Zalles and Curve Theatre, Leicester, Drunk is conceived, directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, with music and lyrics by Grant Olding and set and costume design by Ryan Laight.
Tickets (Bridewell Theatre): £20 (no booking fee) – available online at www.themconiecompany.com/.
Times: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm; Thursdays at 6.30pm and 8.30pm (except February 6 at 3.30pm and 7.30pm); Saturdays at 5.30pm and 7.30pm; Sundays at 3.30pm.