We highly recommend Lancaster’s Dukes Theatre as a cultural hub within the city. It has an exciting theatre, cinema and events calendar which is well worth a look during your visit.
John Jesmont, Lancaster House Accounts, went along to review a recent production.
Award-winning Play
Many of us will remember the triple Oscar-winning film, Educating Rita, with outstanding performances by Michael Caine and Julie Walters. Feisty, brash and bored, Rita enrols on an Open University course which ultimately changes the course of her life. She meets Frank, frustrated poet and hard drinker. An unlikely tutor/student friendship emerges and Rita’s academic success exceeds everyone’s expectation. Her life is changed, but at what cost?
Now in a theatre production presented by The Dukes and New Vic Theatre, the Willy Russell play has lost none of its humour, vibrancy and poignancy.
Great Dialogue and Laugh-out-Loud Lines
This play is tailor made for the intimate surrounding of the Dukes’ Round Theatre. The audience feels like they are in Prof. Williams’ chaotic office, as the two actors spar over a number of scenes with some cracking dialogue, and killer laugh-out-loud lines. Prior to the production, the theatre had put out a local request for scrap paper – look out for the acting debut of Lancaster House recycled paper that festoons the clever set.
Actors, Lauryn Redding and Andrew Pollard
The iconic roles of Rita and Frank are played by Lauryn Redding and Andrew Pollard .The chemistry between the two actors engages you throughout and as the play progresses you can feel the shift in who is educating who.
Leading Arts Venue
The Dukes is one of the North West’s leading arts venues, it’s not only a theatre, but home to an independent cinema, arts hub and a very pleasant cafe bar, all showing a wide variety of productions throughout the year.
The imposing figure of Galdal’s in The Hobbit, The Duke’s 2016 Play in the Park
For more information about the calendar of events, including previously reviewed and award-winning Play in the Park, call the Box Office on 01524 598500.
Perfect Pre-Theatre Dining
The Sandemans Bar at Lancaster House is a great way to start your evening. A comfortable and relaxing lounge and a wide range of light meals. A sheltered inner courtyard for al fresco dining or a toasty central fireplace for those chillier evenings.
