Stage adaptation of Arnold Bennett’s The Card to be revived at New Vic Theatre

Deborah McAndrew’s new adaptation of Arnold Bennett’s novel The Card will be revived at the New Vic Theatre.

The venue in in association with Claybody Theatre will present the piece from 20 May – 10 June 2023.

Directed by Claybody Theatre’s Artistic Director Conrad Nelson (Anna of the Five Towns, Brassed Off for the New Vic; Dirty Laundry, Hot Lane, Claybody Theatre), The Card first premiered last year.

The cast will see Gareth Cassidy (Marvellous, The 39 Steps) reprise his role as loveable rogue Denry Machin. Cassidy will be joined by Howard Chadwick, Isobel Chadwick, Jessica Dyas, Christopher Glover, Jenny Murphy and Molly Roberts.

A washerwoman’s son, Denry Machin’s humble beginnings won’t hold him back from achieving a life he loves to live.

Helped along by a little bit of luck, a lot of initiative and just a touch of chutzpah, he’s soon enjoying fame and fortune, becoming the most celebrated ‘card’ in Bennett’s fictionalised Stoke-on-Trent, ‘The Five Towns’!

The production has design by Dawn Allsopp, MD/Composer Rebekah Hughes, lighting design by Jane Lalljee, choreography by Beverley Norris-Edmunds, assistant director Nicholas Shaw and brass band Acceller8 Band.

New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins said: “Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire’s cultural sector is growing fast, and we’re committed to supporting it through artist development, associate companies and other schemes. We’ve been able to support the growth of our ambitious local company Claybody, and it’s a pleasure to welcome them back to the New Vic in their first year as an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation.”

Conrad Nelson, Artistic Director of Claybody Theatre added: “The fabulous New Vic is without doubt one of the best stages in the country. I’m delighted to claim it as my local theatre. 2023 marks the tenth anniversary of Claybody Theatre and it is a privilege to be working in association with the New Vic to revisit Claybody’s production. For a number of years local people asked us if we would do an adaptation of Arnold’s Bennett’s The Card. This adaptation by Deborah McAndrew embraces the novel’s own fast paced, episodic narrative and in its journey to the stage we’ve tried to echo the energy and enthusiasm of this wonderful city.”

For more information and tickets, visit newvictheatre.org.uk