Newly-formed company Prime Theatre present their production of Aleksei Arbuzov’s OLD WORLD – a touching story of hope and compassion at the Quay Arts Centre, Newport Isle of Wight, on Saturday 6th October 2007 at 8.00pm.

Isle of Wight residents have already experienced the talents of Prime Theatre; as they presented Nostalgia Entertainments in Newport and Freshwater in August of this year.

OLD WORLD – written in 1975 by Aleksei Arbuzov (1908-1986), directed by Andy Burden and performed by Kevin Colson (Rodion Nikolayevich) and Ros Liddiard (Lidya Vasilyevna), is a touching story of hope and compassion with gentle hints of humour, proving that love can blossom in the most unlikely of places.
 
The year is 1968.  Russian tanks have just rolled into Prague, causing yet another Cold War crisis – and in swinging London ‘The Beatles’ raise eyebrows by recording ‘Back in the USSR’,  but in a sanatorium set on the Baltic sea the tides of history – political or cultural -mean little to surgeon Rodion Nikolayevich and patient Lidya Vasilyevna.  Lydia is an eccentric new patient at the sanatorium where Rodion is medical head. They are neither of them youthful, they have both suffered in life, they have very different characters, but something draws them to each other and a rapport is built beyond doctor-patient. When her stay is up can Lydia leave him for Moscow?
 
Founder Peter Liddiard comments on their new tour:

“In OLD WORLD the characters, the plot, and its intentions and style, fit perfectly with Prime Theatre philosophy; to deny ‘old age’ and show that older actors, writers and technicians do not lose the motivation and dedication of their youth.  OLD WORLD offers the perfect balance and can be enjoyed by theatre-goers, young and old.”
 
This Prime Theatre production promises a heart-warming, poignant performance with a pleasant balance of wit and charm brought to life by some of the finest, talented cast and crew in the country.

Kevin Colson (Rodion Nikolayevich) is well known for his work in the West End and on Broadway.  He starred in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Aspects of Love in the West End, and when it transferred to New York’s Broadway he was honoured with a Tony Award Nomination.

Ros Liddiard (Lidya Vasilyevna) has wide experience of theatre, film and T.V.  She was awarded Best Actress Award for her portrayal of Esmé in Amy’s View at The Nuffield Theatre, Southampton.

The company, which formally launched only last month, has already attracted considerable interest, not only in theatrical circles, but also from the wider community.  With an emphasis on providing sensibly-paid work for more mature artists and, subsequently, offering projects of interest to senior sections of the community, Prime Theatre has received high-level backing with patrons including Michele Dotrice, Roy Dotrice and Edward Woodward.

Commenting on the company Celebrated Actor and Patron Edward Woodward says:

“Prime Theatre is a bridge builder in every sense and it is much needed, but the most important thing is that it is here now.”

Tickets are available from Quay Arts Centre, Newport – 01983 822490.
 
OLD WORLD will be on tour to theatres in Hampshire, Berkshire, and the Isle of Wight for three weeks in October before moving on to The Courtyard Theatre in London for a four-week residency.  For details of Prime Theatre Tour Venues, Click HERE:

Related Links: Wight Words Festival: Comedy and Theatre Click HERE:

Island Pulse.