STRANGERS IN BETWEEN
by Tommy Murphy
directed by Adam Spreadbury-Maher
THE STAGE DOOR THEATRE DRURY LANE
Prince of Wales pub in Covent Garden
8th Jan to 3rd Feb 2024
ALEX ANSDELL plays SHANE – OFFIE Newcomer nomination
STEPHEN CONNERY-BROWN plays PETER – OFFIE Supporting performance in a play nomination
“Strangers in Between,” a captivating Australian classic from the acclaimed playwright of “Holding the Man.” This unmissable production delves into the complexities of identity and relationships, offering a mix of laughter and tears that will leave audiences deeply moved.
Written by the talented Tommy Murphy, “Strangers in Between” made its debut at the renowned Griffin Theatre Company in Sydney in 2005. The play’s exceptional storytelling and heartfelt exploration of personal growth earned it the prestigious Best Play Award at the New South Wales Premiere’s Literary Awards. In 2016, it received its UK premiere at the King’s Head Theatre in London, directed by Adam Spreadbury-Maher, where it garnered critical acclaim.
Strangers in Between explores brotherhood. Shane flees his family in regional Goulburn and finds himself in Sydney’s Kings Cross. He attempts to build a surrogate family in the city. He confuses the two families. The city lover he worships is doubled and morphed with the brother he fears. Peter, an older man who is dealing with the imminent death of his elderly mother, is himself rendered maternal by the needs of runaway Shane.
STRANGERS IN BETWEEN is a two-act Australian play by Tommy Murphy. It won the 2006 NSW Premier’s Literary Award for Best Play. It was first staged at Sydney’s Griffin Theatre Company in February 2005, where it broke box office records.
“Sharp and the sweet… charmingly funny” – Paul Taylor, The Independent 4 Stars
“Funny, touching and nuanced” Donald, Hutera – The Times – 4 stars
“Unmissable” – The Reviews Hub 4-stars
“Beautifully written, achingly honest, and devastating insights” – Live Theatre UK – 4 stars
NSW Premier’s Literary Award for Best Play
Adam Spreadbury-Maher is a highly regarded director in the realms of opera and theatre, known for his exceptional talent and global presence. He began his journey as an operatic tenor, studying at the Australian National University’s Canberra School of Music, and later honed his directing skills at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London.
Adam’s career flourished in London, where he made significant contributions to the theatre scene. Notably, he received recognition with the Canberra Critics Circle Award and the Gold Award at the Canberra Area Theatre Awards before making his mark in the UK. As Associate Director of the White Bear Theatre, he directed the UK premiere of Louis Nowra’s “Cosi,” along with other critically lauded productions which transferred to larger theatres and toured the UK.
In 2008, Adam established the Cock Tavern Theatre, where he produced notable premieres by renowned playwrights, showcasing his ability to bring ground-breaking work to the stage. His production of “La Boheme” (directed by Robin Norton-Hale) earned the prestigious Olivier award and became the UK’s longest-running opera. He also garnered acclaim with the Peter Brook Empty Space Award and the Best Artistic Director title at the Fringe Report Awards.
Adam’s passion for opera led him to found OperaUpClose in 2009, a highly regarded touring opera company. Additionally, he served as Artistic Director of the King’s Head Theatre from 2010, demonstrating his versatility by directing both operas and plays, such as Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly,” Tommy Murphy’s “Strangers in Between,” and Kevin Elyot’s “Coming Clean.” His directorial skills have also been showcased in 10 West End productions.
With a wide-reaching impact, Adam’s work has extended beyond London. He has directed acclaimed productions, including a revival of Peter Gill’s “The York Realist” and Irvine Welsh’s “Trainspotting,” which has toured internationally (now in its 11th year). In 2017, he directed a memorable Australian tour of Terrence McNally’s “Masterclass” at the Sydney Opera House.
Adam Spreadbury-Maher’s exceptional talent and artistic contributions continue to shape the world of opera and theatre. His unique vision and directorial prowess have established him as a respected figure within the industry.
Richard Lambert is OFFIE Producer of the Year 2021-2022 and, in conjunction with Peter Bull, was listed in the Stage Top 100 theatre awards 2021. Richard’s company, LAMBCO Productions, again in conjunction with Peter Bull, created the award winning Garden Theatre in the garden of a pub in Vauxhall to open up the 1st ever musical between the West End and Broadway as London restrictions slowly lifted.
Producing credits include: Christmas Skating Events (5 seasons, Torquay); Bluebirds the Musical (Above the Stag Theatre); LAMBCO Fringe Festival 2014 – 2016 (LOST Theatre); Sincerely Yours (Landor Theatre); Bewitchment on Black Ice (Associate Producer, Landor Theatre); Do you have a Secret Crush (Sleeping with Straight Men)? (LOST Theatre); The Crumple Zone (Clapham Omnibus, Pleasance Theatre, King’s Head Theatre); Boys in the Buff the Musical (Stockwell Playhouse) and Boys in the Buff (King’s Head Theatre), Skin Deep (UK Tour and Ed Fringe 2018), Margot, Dame – the Most Famous Ballerina in the World (King’s Head Theatre), Tickle (King’s Head Theatre) which gained a London Pub Theatres Standing Ovation Award, Boys in the Buff (Drayton Arms Theatre) which was awarded Lead Performance OFFIE nomination and won the OFFIE Choreography Award (Robbie O’Reilly), TWINKLE (Drayton Arms Theatre) which was awarded an OFFCOM, TICKLE (Drayton Arms Theatre), TWINKLE (Drayton Arms Theatre). At the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022, LAMBCO Produced SOHO BOY and BETTE MIDLER & ME, both productions gained 5 Star Reviews, awards including OFFFEST nominations.
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Press Contact: Kevin Wilson PR
