Pippin

Pippin

Mitch Sebastian, the acclaimed West End theatre director and choreographer, returns to London in 2011 with “Pippin”, a musical that originally emerged on Broadway in the 1970s and made its mark in the West End in the same decade. This time around it is the turn of the Menier Chocolate Factory to stage the show and as a result it will certainly be a production to keep an eye on.

“Pippin” first appeared on a US stage back in 1972 and enjoyed a successful run that took it to 1977 and earned Tony Awards and nominations. At the same time audiences at Her Majesty’s Theatre sat down to enjoy the same show as it began a West End run in 1973.

Its story focuses on an acting troupe attempting to tell the story of two real life people from the Middle Ages. As a result we are witnesses to the story of Pippin, the heir to the throne of Charlemagne as he attempts to find meaning in his life, but as he yearns for beauty, glory, fame and magic he is instead faced with lust, politics, sex and religion. Though the story is about real-life people, however, there is an abundance of artistic licence on display to add to the tale.

The musician and lyricist for “Pippin” was Stephen Schwartz, who has been behind a wealth of well known musicals during his ongoing career. At around the same time as “Pippin” he was also responsible for “Godspell” in 1971 and “The Magic Show” in 1974. Meanwhile, he has continued to work on musicals over the years and in recent times audiences have enjoyed his work with the popular “Wicked”, the London version of which is running at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. He has also contributed his efforts to film and he remains a sought-after talent.

And this time around his work comes to the stage under the direction of Mitch Sebastian, the well known name behind “The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas”, which returns this Christmas at the Wyndham’s Theatre.

“Pippin” makes its anticipated appearance at the Menier Chocolate Factory from Tuesday 22nd November 2011 to Saturday 25th February 2012.

Venue Information and Directions

Menier Chocolate Factory
51-53 Southwark Street
London
SE1 1RU

Seating Plan

Directions

Directions
Take the Northern Line to London Bridge station. The theatre is a 5 minute walk.