This production began performances on 25th July and closed on 10th September 2008.
Under the Blue Sky is David Eldridge's award-winning, funny and touching play - three subtly connected love stories that reveal in turn the roller-coaster ride of lust in its prime, the sacrifices of a life in public service and its unrequited passions. In the long shadow of the twentieth century, Eldridge's play is a delicate yet truthful depiction of all the degrees of love - from fondness and affection through the headier extremes of a drunken romp. It gives us an all too recognisable portrayal of the way in which uncertainties, misunderstanding and the unsaid lead to unexpected results for three couples who seem destined never to say the right thing.
This all-star cast includes Catherine Tate who makes a welcome return to the West End to play Michelle, following her many guises in her award-winning sketch show The Catherine Tate Show for the BBC. Previous theatre credits include Neil LaBute's Some Girls with David Schwimmer and the 24 Hour Plays for The Old Vic. She can currently be seen on our television screens saving the planet alongside David Tennant, in the hugely popular series Doctor Who, also for the BBC. Alongside Catherine is Francesca Annis (Anne) who has most recently been seen on television as Lady Ludlow in the BBC's award-winning series Cranford. Her last stage appearance in the West End was alongside Joseph Fiennes in Epitaph for George Dillon at the Comedy Theatre. Lisa Dillon, whose recent stage credits include Present Laughter and The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other for the National Theatre and Hedda Gabler for the Almeida will play Helen, while Chris O'Dowd, best known for his performance as Roy in Channel 4's hit comedy series The IT Crowd plays Nick. Dominic Rowan will play Graham. His recent stage credits include A Voyage Around My Father for the Donmar Warehouse and The Merchant of Venice for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Under the Blue Sky first premiered at the Royal Court in 2000, to unanimous critical acclaim. David Eldridge's many other theatre credits include Incomplete and Random Acts of Kindess for the Royal Court and Market Boy for The National Theatre in 2006. 2004 saw Eldridge's multi award-wining Festen open at the Almeida Theatre with later transfers to the West End and Broadway.
Under the Blue Sky is directed by Anna Mackmin, who most recently directed David Storey's In Celebration in the West End, starring Orlando Bloom. She made her National Theatre directorial debut with Burn, Citizenship and Chatroom.
CAST
FRANCESCA ANNIS – Anne
LISA DILLON – Helen
NIGEL LINDSAY – Robert
CHRIS O'DOWD – Nick
DOMINIC ROWAN – Graham
CATHERINE TATE – Michelle
CREATIVES
DAVID ELDRIDGE – Playwright
ANNA MACKMIN – Director
LEZ BROTHERSTON – Designer
MARK HENDERSON – Lighting Designer
PAUL ARDITTI – Sound Designer