,
London's newest theatre @sohoplace
@sohoplace, 4 Soho Place, London, W1D 3BG
The first new build West End theatre to open in 50 years
Located in Soho Place, the first new street name in Soho for 72 years
A state-of-the-art, new and flexible 602-seat auditorium with perfect sightlines and acoustics, opening configured ‘in the round’
A creatives’ floor with rehearsal room, actors’ Green Room, bar and terrace
A ground floor public restaurant and bar, open from midday to midnight
Impressive screen show-signage including a double-sided 17m by 3m digital screen front of house sign on Charing Cross Road and a large screen in the centre of the front façade on Soho Place
The theatre lies at the heart of Derwent London’s £300m regeneration project at the north east corner of Soho
Derwent London picked a first class team to overcome the engineering challenges of building a theatre immediately above three tube lines and Crossrail’s large extractor fan to achieve perfect acoustics in the auditorium with no vibrations
Nica Burns presents the New Vic Theatre production of MARVELLOUS
Writers Neil Baldwin and Malcolm Clarke
Adapted for the stage by Neil Baldwin and Theresa Heskins Directed by Theresa Heskins
@sohoplace, 4 Soho Place, London, W1D 3BG
Previews from 15 October and runs to 26 November 2022 Press Night 20 October at 7:00pm
Nica Burns is delighted to announce that the opening production of @sohoplace will be the New Vic’s much acclaimed production Marvellous, directed by Theresa Heskins. The New Vic theatre is the oldest purpose built, in-the-round theatre in the UK and @sohoplace is the first new West End theatre in 50 years, with a flexible, 602-seat auditorium, purpose built and opening in-the-round.
Marvellous is the joyful, inspiring true story of Neil ‘Nello’ Baldwin who, defying all expectations, has led and continues to lead, the most amazing life.
The show is performed by a talented company including neuro-divergent actors.
Coming next @sohoplace: two new productions – the first directed by Josie Rourke, the
second by Dominic Cooke.
Nica Burns, Producer and Theatre Owner said:
Growing up in the 1950’s in less enlightened times, Neil Baldwin was not expected to be a success. But Neil decided he was destined to do wonderful things and that his life was going to be marvellous. And it is.
He hitchhiked across the country, became a famous clown, got an honorary degree from Keele University, was appointed Stoke City’s legendary kit man, appeared on the Queen’s New Year Honours list and accepted a BAFTA award for the film made about his life. A friend to anyone he meets, he became a local hero and an inspiration to the world. A reminder to us all not to let anything stand in the way of your dreams, just go out and make them happen.
Nica Burns, Producer and Theatre Owner said: “Marvellous is precisely that, marvellous. A wonderful production of a heartwarming and uplifting tale about an extraordinary man who decided he would lead an exceptional life. And against all the odds, he has and does. The New Vic in North Staffordshire, led by its brilliant director Theresa Heskins, is an absolute jewel of a regional theatre, the cultural beacon of the area and the beating heart of its community. As we open our new theatre in-the-round, we are honoured to be collaborating with and learning from the expertise of the New Vic’s amazing team.”
Theresa Heskins, New Vic Artistic Director said: What a thrill it is, to see a new theatre in the round opening in London! And what a very special honour to be collaborating with Nica Burns so that the first show produced in it will come from the New Vic. Nica’s decision to make a West End venue which deliberately nurtures an inclusive relationship between stage and audience is a radical one, and it’s matched by creative programming. When she first proposed we open her new theatre with Marvellous, I was speechless: I could never imagine we would receive an extraordinary invitation like this. Nello’s special magic rubs off on everyone he encounters, and bringing that magic from audiences in Staffordshire to audiences in London will be such a privilege
When Stephen Joseph proposed this new format of theatre-in-the-round in 1962, in a pamphlet called ‘Planning for new forms of theatre’, he described it as “the simplest and most vital form of theatre”. That’s certainly the case with Marvellous. Neil’s simple and vital story has inspired so many. He has a talent for happiness that’s infectious. His is a story of joy and sadness; of realising dreams; of belonging and othering; of how labels both limit us and protect us; of what constitutes a hero – and why we need them. It’s a play that is as straightforward, direct, and sunny as Neil is: it will fill audiences with optimism, bring people together and spread happiness.’
Neil Baldwin said: Theresa said ‘I would like to make a play about you’ and I thought ‘why make a play about me?’ which is the same thing I said about the film! The cast are lovely, we’re friends. It was great. The theatre was full and I made friends with the audience. I am excited about going toLondon. There’s more people so hurry up and get your ticket!’
The Sunday Times
★★★★
“Life-affirming”
The Stage
★★★★
“A funny, touching feel-good treat about a local hero that deserves to be seen by audiences beyond his home crowd.”
The Times
★★★★
“An irresistible story about a local hero. Like a cleric, he sees goodness in everyone. No wonder people love him.”
Cast:
Name
Suzanne Ahmet Charlie Bence Gareth Cassidy Alex Frost
Michael Hugo Jerone Marsh-Reid Daniel Murphy
The Guardian
★★★★
“It’s tone of playfulness is infectious.”
Role
Suzanne Charlie Gareth Alex Real Neil Jerone Daniel
Creatives:
Neil Baldwin
Malcolm Clarke
Theresa Heskins
Lis Evans
Conrad Nelson
James Atherton
Beverley Norris-Edmunds Daniella Beattie
James Earls-Davis Alex Day
Paul Groothuis Caroline Wilkes
Anji Carroll CDG Caroline Hetherington
Jenny Holford
Patrick Molony & Chris Easton
Website: www.sohoplace.org instagram.com/sohoplace facebook.com/sohoplace twitter.com/atsohoplace
Box Office
www.sohoplace.org
0330 333 5963
4 Soho Place | London | W1D 3BG
Writer
Writer
Writer & Director
Designer
Original Musical Director/ Composer Additional Musical Director/Composer Movement Director
Lighting & Projection Designer Original Sound Designer
Additional Sound Designer
Sound Designer for London transfer Associate Director
Casting Associate
Vocal coach
Personal Assistant to neurodiverse actors Production Management
Access Bookings/Customer Ticketing Enquiries: 0330 333 5962 Group Bookings: 0330 333 5963
Dates & performance times
15 October – 26 November Monday – Saturday 7.30pm Wednesdays & Saturdays 2.30pm
Performance Suitable for ages 8+
BSL interpreted performance: Wed 16 November, 2.30pm Audio described performance: Thurs 17 November, 7.30pm Relaxed performance: Wed 23 November, 2.30pm Captioned performance: Fri 25 November, 7.30pm
Ticket prices
£25 – £65
Groups and education rates available Fair access: 50% off across all bands