A Matter of Life and Death heads to New Vic Theatre
The New Vic in Newcastle-Under-Lyme will produce a rare stage adaptation of an iconic British film this spring when they bring Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s acclaimed cinematic masterpiece, A Matter of Life and Death, to life on their in-the-round stage. Adapted by Artistic Director Theresa Heskins (The critically-acclaimed The Company of Wolves, New Vic; Marvellous, opening production @sohoplace, Olivier award-winning The Worst Witch, West End).
Set in 1945, British Pilot Peter Carter’s plane goes down just off the coast of England. Miraculously, after leaping from his burning plane without a parachute, he finds himself face-to-face with June, the American radio operator who kept him company on his final journey. As the pair fall instantly and deeply in love, Peter discovers a celestial error has occurred – he was supposed to die but the heavenly conductor missed him as he fell through the fog.
Caught in a limbo between life and death, Peter is called by the heavenly court to answer for his survival and defend his right to live. Can he convince the judge he deserves a second chance at life and prove that love truly can conquer all?
A poignant reflection on the sanctity of life and the power of love. Powell and Pressburger’s story explores highly topical themes that remain as relevant today as when the film premiered in 1946, including the futility of war and the Anglo-American alliance.
A10-piece swing band will perform part of the 16-strong cast to evoke the mood of the era, with Musical Direction and Composition by Akintayo Akinbode (Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Royal Exchange) and an innovative set designed by Laura McEwen (Tom’s Midnight Garden, Nottingham Playhouse) will deliver the infamous ‘stairway to heaven’ scene in a breathtaking fashion.
A Matter of Life and Death will be on stage from Friday, 28 March until Saturday, 19 April 2025.
Cast
Alexander Bean Judge / Airman / Musician
Morgan Burgess Abraham Farlan / Musician
Kaylah Copeland June
Thomas Dennis Peter
Howard Gray Performer / Show Musical Director
Jack Heydon Dog Walker / Musician
Michael Hugo Conductor 71
Jessica Jolleys Chief Recorder / Musician
Polly Lister Doc
Sufia Manya Dr. Liza / Musician
Jenny Murphy Section Officer / Musician
Elliot Parchment–Morrison Bob Trubshawe / Musician
Luke Thornton Voice (Prof. Brian Cox) / Airman / Musician
Lucy Wells Ents. Officer / Musician
Creatives
Theresa Heskins Director
Laura McEwen Designer
Akintayo (Tayo) Akinbode Musical Director / Composer
Alexandra Stafford Lighting Designer
Alex Day Sound Designer
Beverley Norris-Edmunds Choreographer
Illuminos Projection Designers
Caroline Hetherington Vocal Coach
Anji Carroll CDG Casting Associate
Polly Wain Staff Director
How much are the tickets for A Matter of Life and Death?
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £15 to £33.
Concessions: £2.00 off
Group Discounts: £2.00 off for ten or more
Under 16s Go Free
Under 26s Go Free
How do I book tickets to watch A Matter of Life and Death?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 01782 717962 or visit the New Vic Theatre’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
A Matter of Life and Death will open at the New Vic Theatre on Friday, 28 March will run until Saturday, 19 April 2025 with evening shows at 7.30pm and Matinee at 2.15pm (on 05/04, 10/04, 12/04, 17/04 and 19/04).
Captioned: 7.30pm Tue 15 April
Audio described: 2.15pm Sat 19 April
Where is New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme?
New Vic Theatre
Etruria Road
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 0JG
The theatre has a large car park, with a £2.20 charge on show days. Only contactless card payment is currently accepted for parking charges.
The theatre café is open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday – then from 5.30pm for pre-show meals.
Booking is required for pre-show meals 5.30pm onwards, via their booking system at this link.
About The New Vic Theatre
Founded in 1962, the New Vic is the producing theatre for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. With around eight major productions a year, its varied programme includes contemporary drama, new commissions, adaptations and classics. Recent productions have toured nationally and internationally, and have transferred to London and Manchester. The New Vic has developed extensive and award-winning community involvement. It works regionally, nationally and internationally through its education department and New Vic Borderlines, which aims to change the lives of the most disadvantaged members of the community. The New Vic is funded by Arts Council England, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council.
You may also want to read this:
Review: The Last Quiz Night On Earth at New Vic Theatre
Review: Arnold Bennett’s The Card at New Vic Theatre
Review: A Play for the Living in a Time of Extinction at New Vic Theatre
Photo Credit: New Vic Theatre/Andrew Billington
