A Song For Ella Grey
Based on the novel by David Almond
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Overview
A Pilot Theatre Production in association with Northern Stage and York Theatre Royal
Adapted by Zoe Cooper
Directed by Esther Richardson
This new production, from the Company that brought you Noughts & Crosses, is a magical retelling of the Orpheus myth, full of music, sound and storytelling.
Claire and her best friend, Ella Grey, are ordinary kids from ordinary families in an ordinary world. They and their friends fall in and out of love, play music and dance, stare at the stars, yearn for excitement, and have parties on the beautiful beaches of Northumberland. One day a stranger, a musician called Orpheus, appears on the beach, and entrances them all but particularly Ella. Where has Orpheus come from and what path will Ella follow? A tale of modern teenagers and ancient forces, a tale told since the dawn of time and told again today.
Run time: 2hrs
The BSL interpreted performance on Wed 14 Feb (7.30pm) will be interpreted by Caroline Ryan.
If a performance is sold out, email info@northernstage.co.uk or call 0191 230 5151 to be added to our waiting list.
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Production Photos
Pre show talk – Wed 14 Feb, 6pm
Join playwright Zoe Cooper and director Esther Richardson in an exclusive pre-show talk before the world premiere of Zoe’s adaptation of David Almond’s young-adult novel, A Song for Ella Grey. Writer and Director will discuss their creative practice and the exciting challenge of adaptation, revealing the extraordinary collaborative process behind bringing this story, a Northumberland reimagining of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, to Northern Stage.
Wed 14 Feb, 6pm, Stage 3, FREE
Book a space here https://www.ncl.ac.uk/ncla/events/event-items/a-song-for-ella-grey/
Age Guidance
For ages 13+ (contains reference to death of a young person, afterlife and bereavement. There is more information including a detailed synopsis in the education pack.) At points in the show there are bright lights flashing into the auditorium and some strobing.
Sensory information: grief, death, loss, alcohol, snakes, darkness, water sounds, the ocean, birds, sirens, flashing lights, live sand pre-recorded singing & music, some bright light pointed directly at the audience. The story deals with adoption.
Meet the Cast
Grace Long as Ella Grey
Olivia Onyehara as Claire
Amonik Melaco as Sam
Beth Crame as Angeline
Jonathan Iceton as Jay
Creative Team
Novel by David Almond
Adapted for the stage by Zoe Cooper
Directed by Esther Richardson
Casting Associate – Shannon David of Elise Casting
Designed by Verity Quinn
Sound Designer Adam McCready
Lighting Designer Chris Davey
Composer Emily Levy
Movement Director Ayesha Fazal
Video Designer Simon Cole
Learning Resources
Education pack
Please click here to access Resource Pack A. Please click here to access Resource Pack B.
Free CPD for Drama teachers
Pilot Theatre are offering a free online CPD session on Mon 11 Mar, 6-7.30pm for Drama teachers attending A Song For Ella Grey. This will focus on supporting teachers with the Live Theatre component of the GCSE and A-Level syllabus. More information and how to book is here.
Buy your season pass today to make big savings!
Add tickets for A Song For Ella Grey, Frankenstein and Underdog: The Other Other Brontë to your basket and enjoy 20% off at checkout – or 25% if you’re a member!
There are two entrances to the theatre, Kings Road Entrance (this is the taxi drop-off/collection point) and the Main Entrance.
Both level entrances have automated doors. These lead into the foyer area where you will find the Restaurant, Bar, Box Office and entrances to Stages 1, 2 and 3.
STEP FREE ACCESS
Northern Stage is fully accessible. The theatre has three lifts providing access to all parts of the building, including the accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, stages 2 & 3 and the backstage area. Buggy parking is available
WHEELCHAIR SPACES
There are five wheelchair positions in Stage 1, two positions in Stage 2 and all seats are removeable in Stage 3.
TOILETS
We have a Changing Places toilet in the Stage 1 lobby and accessible toilets in Stage 3 and Stage 2 lower entrance lobby. Gender neutral toilets are situated in the Stage 2 lower entrance lobby.
HEARING ENHANCEMENT
Induction loop system in all public spaces, and an infra-red system in all three stages. (In Stage 1 the induction loop is best covered in rows E – L).
ASSISTANCE
One free ticket for the assistant of a disabled person who is not able to attend unaccompanied.
BOOKING COMPANION SEATING
To book a free ticket for a wheelchair companion or an assistant, contact our Box Office on 0191 230 5151, via email at boxoffice@northernstage.co.uk or by visiting our Box Office in person.
GUIDE DOGS
Guide, hearing and all working dogs are welcome here.
SEAT ACCESSIBILITY
Stage 1: Seats are 43 cm wide, 41cm deep, with 46cm between arm rests. The aisleway is 51cm deep from the seat back. Arm rests cannot be removed.
Stage 2: Seats are 40cm wide, 41cm deep. The aisleway is 64cm deep from the seat back. There are no arm rests.
Our seats are rated to British Standards at installation and are guaranteed to hold up to 110kg.
More Information
To discuss any access needs, take a look at our access page or please call our Box Office on 0191 230 5151.