Curve Leicester’s Sunset Boulevard online production to be re-released in May
Curve Leicester’s online concert production of Sunset Boulevard is to be re-released in May.
Sunset Boulevard – at Home will once again be available to view online between Monday, 10 to Saturday, 15 May.
All proceeds to be donated to The Andy Nairn Bursaries in Technical Theatre.
The show was the last show Curve’s Head of Production Andy Nairn worked on before he sadly passed away on 26 November 2020. The Andy Nairn Bursaries in Technical Theatre was set-up by Curve, Derby Theatre and Nottingham Playhouse in honour of Andy’s contribution to theatre in the region. The scheme will provide accessible training opportunities for aspiring theatre technicians from challenging socio-economic and diverse backgrounds.
For tickets and more information, visit www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/sunset-boulevard-at-home/
Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster said: “We were truly blown away by the incredible response to our production of Sunset Boulevard, a testament to the incredible freelance artists, technical teams and musicians who made it all possible. And we are thrilled the gates of Paramount will open once again before we start to emerge from lockdown.
“What makes this screening even more special is that when you buy a ticket, you will be supporting The Andy Nairn Bursaries in Technical Theatre, named in honour of Andy Nairn, our much missed Head of Production, who passed away last November aged just 34 years old.
“Andy wasn’t only an exceptionally talented and respected technician and production manager, but he was an incredible leader and mentor for those starting out. He was deeply passionate about training the technicians of tomorrow, encouraging people from all backgrounds to embark on a career in theatre. All money raised from these screenings will support the bursary programme at Curve, meaning many young technicians will be able to benefit from accessible training in our state-of-the-art theatre..
“Our thanks and enormous gratitude to The Really Useful Group, Paramount Pictures, UK Theatre, the Musicians Union, sponsors PPL, Arts Council England, Leicester City Council and the DCMS’ Culture Recovery Fund which has enabled us to produce this show.”
Andy, who was born on 11 June 1986, is survived by his wife Anne Nairn and three daughters. Anne commented: “I find it incredibly heart-warming and humbling knowing that Andy’s name will live on forever in the world of theatre.
“Anyone that knew Andy, knows that as well as an immeasurable love for his family and friends, he also loved theatre and was particularly passionate about giving opportunities to young people. To know that the three theatres in the East Midlands, where Andy loved working, are coming together to enrich the lives of young people, who otherwise might not have had the chance to experience theatre, as Andy did, would make him so proud.
“My immense gratitude goes to Curve and Andrew Lloyd Webber, for showing such grace and compassion, in supporting the Andy Nairn Bursaries in Technical Theatre.”
Curve’s streamed production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical reunited company members from the award-winning 2017 Made at Curve touring production andwas seen by almost 15,000 people across 45 countries in its first outing last year.
Those making up the cast are Ria Jones as Norma Desmond, Danny Mac as Joe Gillis, Molly Lynch as Betty Schaefer, Adam Pearce as Max Von Mayerling, Dougie Carter as Artie Green and Carl Sanderson as Cecil B DeMille.
The company is completed by Benjamin Chambers, Owen Chaponda, Joanna Goodwin, Kristoffer Hellström, James Meunier, Gemma Naylor, Joanna O’Hare, Jessica Paul, Sam Peggs and Barney Wilkinson.
Set over a turbulent New Year’s Eve in 1940s Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard is a gripping tale of romance, glamour and obsession. Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster directs this production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece, which features book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton and is based on the 1950 film by Billy Wilder.
A 16-piece orchestra, supported by music licensing company PPL, brings the musical’s score to life with musical supervision by Stephen Brooker, musical direction by Chris Mundy and orchestral management by Stephen Hill for Musicians UK Ltd. The production team also includes Set Designer Colin Richmond, Choreographer Lee Proud, Lighting Designer Ben Cracknell, Sound Designer Tom Marshall, Video Designer Douglas O’Connell and casting by David Grindrod CDG. The production was filmed and edited by Crosscut Media.
Picture: Ria Jones (Norma Desmond) Photography by Marc Brenner
