Award-winning play Ross & Rachel will take centre stage at Battersea Arts Centre this May as the venue recovers from last year’s fire.
Ross & Rachel has just come off a highly-acclaimed sell-out run at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe where actress Molly Vevers was awarded The Stage Award for Acting Excellence.
The arts centre was severely damaged following a fire last year which left the main hall – which was under renovation – in disrepair.
But following the ongoing efforts to rebuild the historic centre, it has been selected as one of the UK tour venues for director James Fritz’s critically-acclaimed play.
Ross & Rachel has been characterised as a dark, uncompromising play about romance, expectation and mortality.
The play tells the heart-breaking story of what happens when a couple who were always meant to be together, gets together.
From Ross and Rachel to Romeo and Juliet the play explores the idea of happily ever after.
The Olivier-nominated director said: “We are so comfortable repeating the notions of love and romance which are portrayed in popular culture but we may be swallowing a message with problematic undertones.
“Ross and Rachel was about trying to do something different, it’s a concerted attempt to move away from those more conventional narratives.”
Mr Fritz has a particular affinity with the venue itself, he added: “I worked there for a couple of years.
“It made me so sad when the news came through about the Grand Hall being burnt in the fire – I spent a lot of time sweeping up that hall.
“I’ve always wanted to have something on there, so I’m really excited.”
Artistic Director for the centre, David Jubb, spoke of his appreciation of the support shown following the fire and looks forward to the Grand Hall’s full restoration.
Mr Jubb said: “Innumerable acts of kindness, pledges of in-kind support and generous donations have helped us plough on without our largest space.
“Plans for the Grand Hall are gathering momentum and we are looking forward to its recovery and throwing open its doors in 2018.”
Ross & Rachel will run from June 21-25 at Battersea Arts Centre, tickets are available from the box office.
Image courtesy of Battersea Arts Centre, with thanks
