This ambitious new season of work includes two original ETT commissions, radical reimaginations of three iconic texts, a brand new monologue project of new pieces for mixed race characters by mixed race writers, a VR experience inspired by lockdown and a new podcast series. ETT also announces the multi award-winning theatre companyPigfoot as an Associate Company.

Alongside two previously announced shows, ETT announces Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard adapted for the stage by Vinay Patel in a new version set in space. A co-commission from ETT and The Yard Theatre and additionally co-produced with HOME, Manchester. Directed by James Macdonald, the production opens this Autumn at The Yard, ahead of performances at HOME, Manchester.

The season begins with the previously announced tour of Oscars Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest reimagined for the stage, and packed with shade and wit, by the 2021 Sir Peter Hall Directors Award-winner Denzel Westley-Sanderson. Opening this September at Leeds Playhouse, the production then tours to Cambridge Arts Theatre, New Wolsey Theatre, Northern Stage, Liverpool Playhouse and Rose Theatre, supported by a grant from The Royal Theatrical Support Trust.

The season then continues, in another brand new ETT commission, with the 80^thanniversary staging of Brecht’s The Good Person of Szechwan. In this new version adapted by Nina Segal with Anthony Lau directing, it is the first time in UK history the production will be led by a predominately East Asian cast and creative team. ETT will co-produce with Sheffield Theatres and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, with both venues hosting runs in Spring 2023 before touring nationally.

Also announced today is Mixed, a monologue project of new pieces for mixed race characters by mixed race writers. Mixed aims to kickstart the artistic interrogation of mixed race identity in contemporary Britain. Curated by Ben Quashie, writers in the series include Javaad Alipoor, Jade Anouka, Lydia Ayame Hiraide, Mei Mei Macleod,Sabrina Mahfouz, Grace Savage, Testament and Jamael Westman, with more to be announced and set to be published in 2023.

Finally included in the season is the second series of F**ked Up Bedtime Stories (for Adults), a new writing podcast commissioned and produced by ETT; writers include Chris Bush, Kwame Owusu and Yasmin Joseph; and Adult Children, a virtual reality dramatic experience co-created by Ella Hickson, Sacha Wares and ScanLAB Projectsthat will run at the Oxford Playhouse in September.

How much of our history do we carry? From the fields, across the waters & onto the streets; revolts become riots, rallies become tweets. This is the life. This is repeat. Uncovering texts from throughout history & the present day & presenting them for 2021, the #ChildrensChildren films ask how much of the past remains in our present.

Curator: Amber James
Directors: Tristan Fynn-Aideunu & Rikki Beadle-Blair
Producers: Ben Quashie & Daniel M. Bailey
Performers & Pieces:

Kayla Meikle – Sojourner Truth
Amber James – Una Marson
Gershwyn Eustache Jnr – Stanley Crooke
Sule Rimi – Desmond Pierre
Khai Shaw – Still Shadey

Director of Photography: Gino Green
1st AC: Dan Bold
Sound Designer: Will Berger for House Of Noise
Sound Operator: Alistair Bean
Make Up Artist: Billie McKenzie
Behind the Scenes Photographer: Morgan Quashie

Co-produced by ETT & Black Apron Entertainment
Shot on location at Prince Of Peckham

Set designer Frankie Bradshaw and director Atri Banerjee in a video for kids about how to make your own cardboard theatre and puppets at home – you can play out stories for your family!

Also featuring a performance of The Two Little Goats by Atri Banerjee.

Video editing by Craig Nom Chong.

Adolescent Forensic Psychiatrist, Duncan Harding, spoke to us about his involvement with EQUUS and gave an insight into the role of Forensic Psychiatry.

Equus is a co-production between English Touring Theatre and Theatre Royal Stratford East.

Inspired by a true story, Peter Shaffer’s gripping psychological thriller, EQUUS, explores the complex relationships between devotion, myth and sexuality.

When teenager Alan Strang’s pathological fascination leads him to blind six horses in a Hampshire stable, psychiatrist Dr. Martin Dysart is tasked with uncovering the motive behind the boy’s violent act. As Dysart delves into Alan’s world of twisted spirituality, passion and sexuality, he begins to question his own sanity and motivations in a world driven by consumerism.

Award winning director Ned Bennett brings Peter Shaffer’s psychological thriller Equus to the stage in a bold new production of the critically-acclaimed classic.

Flashback to week one with this sneak peek at the production’s development process!

Equus is a co-production between English Touring Theatre and Theatre Royal Stratford East.

Inspired by a true story, Peter Shaffer’s gripping psychological thriller, EQUUS, explores the complex relationships between devotion, myth and sexuality.

When teenager Alan Strang’s pathological fascination leads him to blind six horses in a Hampshire stable, psychiatrist Dr. Martin Dysart is tasked with uncovering the motive behind the boy’s violent act. As Dysart delves into Alan’s world of twisted spirituality, passion and sexuality, he begins to question his own sanity and motivations in a world driven by consumerism.

Award winning director Ned Bennett brings Peter Shaffer’s psychological thriller Equus to the stage in a bold new production of the critically-acclaimed classic.

“Beautifully acted and stirringly intense” The Times ★★★★

“Intense, touching performances. A cracking revival” Daily Mail ★★★★

“The richness of Wilson’s characters makes them a joy to watch. Superbly acted.” The Guardian ★★★★

It is Pittsburgh, 1969, and the regulars of Memphis Lee’s restaurant are struggling to cope with the turbulence of a rapidly changing world. The diner is in threat of being torn down, a casualty of the city’s renovation project that is sweeping away the buildings of a community, but not its spirit. The iconic American playwright  August Wilson  paints a vivid portrait of everyday lives in this defining moment of American history. When  Two Trains Running  opened on Broadway in 1992 it’s legendary premiere won TONY and Drama Desk Awards. Directed by the 2018 winner of the RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award,  Nancy Medina, this major revival will introduce this Pulitzer Prize shortlisted modern classic to UK-wide audiences for the first time.

#TwoTrains2019