Under the Blue Sky - Duke of York's Theatre

SYNOPSIS

Under the Blue Sky

Three delicately connected playlets arranged as a play - that's what you get with Under the Blue Sky, now showing at the Duke of York's Theatre in London's West End. Written by the talented David Eldridge of 'Serving It Up' fame, the play captures the complexities of love in its many different guises, from gentle affection to unbridled passion. This it does through the stories of three couples - teachers leading different lives, yet connected by a common thread…their experiences (and non-experiences) of romantic love.

From the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre to the Duke of York's Theatre

Under the Blue Sky premiered in London in September 2000 at the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Upstairs to much acclaim. Critics hailed it a triumph of theatre, calling it witty, intelligent, humorous yet touching. Many agreed that David Eldridge had fulfilled the promise shown after Serving It Up, making the step up from 'one to watch' to achiever.

Rufus Norris directed the original production at the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre. The cast comprised of Jonathan Cullen, Samantha Edmonds, Sheila Hancock, Lisa Palfrey, Justin Salinger and Stanley Townsend.

Anna Mackmin directs the new 2008 production of Under the Blue Sky at the Duke of York's Theatre, which runs from 15 July to 20 September. It stars Francesca Annis, Lisa Dillon, Nigel Lindsay, Chris O'Dowd, Dominic Rowan and Catherine Tate.

Francesca Annis is a familiar face to stage and screen. TV viewers will recognise her from her most recent outing as Lady Ludlow in the BBC's award-winning drama - Cranford. Stage credits include leading roles in many Royal Shakespeare Company productions.

Lisa Dillon is a RADA graduate with many theatre roles to her name. Recent stage appearances include Noel Coward's Present Laughter and Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard.

Nigel Lindsay is an accomplished television and stage actor. He has taken lead roles both on Broadway and in the West End. For television his work has taken him from epic dramas such as HBO/BBC's production of Rome, through to corporate videos starring alongside John Cleese.

Dominic Rowan is similarly accomplished. He has taken many lead theatre roles in his distinguished career, as well as starred for numerous television productions including the likes of Midsomer Murders, Trial and Retribution and Silent Witness.

Chris O'Dowd is best known to TV audiences for his performance as Roy in the hit Channel 4 show The IT Crowd.

Followers of the BBC's Doctor Who will be familiar with Catherine Tate's work. Here she takes a rest from time travel in the Tardis to take a leading role in Under the Blue Sky.

Anna Mackmin

Anna Mackmin is an award-winning director with many theatre productions to her name. She spent some time as Associate Director at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre, and took a similar position at the Gate Theatre in London. Her direction of Under the Blue Sky follows on from her work on David Storey's West End production of 'In Celebration', which starred Orlando Bloom.