The London Merchant

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds &  Restoring the Repertoire

Built in 1819, the beautiful Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds is one of the three oldest playhouses in Britain, a grade one listed building it is the only Theatre on the National Trust’s Portfolio of properties. The Theatre Royal was fully restored to its Regency design and layout in 2007 with spectacular interior decoration by Exeter based scenic designers Kit and Meg Surrey. Inspired by its unique history the theatre company has the special ambition to restore the lost dramatic repertoire of the Georgian era, researching and performing plays from over 200 years ago in a project entitled Restoring the Repertoire.

This visit to Exeter Northcott sees them performing The London Merchant, their seventh production in this popular series, along with a script in hand reading of John Bull and a chance to attend a fascinating illustrated talk by Artistic Director Colin Blumenau, entitled The Georgian Globe, about the history of the building and the recent restoration project.

www.theatreroyal.org

About The London Merchant

Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds Production
 

The London Merchant

by George Lillo – first performed at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 22 June 1731
directed by Colin Blumenau

Wed 20, Fri 22 & Sat 23 October 7.30pm

Written by George Lillo in 1731, The London Merchant is a tragic tale of seduction, betrayal and murder; it was one of the most popular and enduring dramas of its age. Derived from a well-known ballad set in the time of the Armada, it follows the tale of a young merchant George Barnwell who is led astray by the beautiful but destructive courtesan Millwood.

Set in the Merchant District of London of 1588 the action of the play is viewed through the lens of the Georgian era, some 150 years later.

This is a wonderful opportunity to experience exquisite period dramatisation, complete with stunning period costumes, from the very best producer of 18th century theatre in Britain.

“At a time when the classic tradition is under threat, this excellent revival reminds us of our vanishing heritage.”
THE GUARDIAN (on 2008 production)

Why not come along at 5pm on Saturday 23 October to The Georgian Globe - a FREE illustrated talk.  Artistic Director Colin Blumenau will take you on an illustrated tour of the Regency Theatre Royal which, with its extraordinarily intimate auditorium and exquisite decorative scheme, is so admired by many of the finest actors of our times.

"The Georgion theatre was one of the vital periods of our artistic history; and these buildings, with their intimacy and their sense of human proportion are masterpieces.  Bury's Theatre Royal is perhaps even more precious than we think."
SIR PETER HALL CBE

Admission FREE

booking

Tickets: A £20 B £17 C £14.50 D £12
60+ £2 off / Conc. HALF PRICE (price bands B, C & D only)
Schools: £7 for groups of 10+
Age: 14yrs+
Running Time: 2hrs 30mins
Post Show Talk: Wed 20 October

Further discounts are available if you purchase your tickets from the Box Office on 01392 493493:

Note: these discounts are not available online.

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