Newcastle theatre to host opening of new show, based on North East author's beloved novel
A Song For Ella Grey begins at Northern Stage Theatre, before heading around the country on tour
A new play at Newcastle's Northern Stage theatre is hoping to reflect the real experiences of young people in the North East.
A Song For Ella Grey is based on the novel by Newcastle author David Almond, and has been adapted by Zoe Cooper.
Director Esther Richardson says it’s important this new production reflects young peoples’ experience of the world today.
“A myth is a story that's always being rewritten - we're always coming back to the Orpheus myth. We're living through an extraordinary period of change and loss, and young people are trying to make sense of what the future will be, so it’s the perfect time to tell this beautiful, epic story.
"Theatre is a space where we can help people to feel those feelings and make sense of them; the young people in the story retell the myth in their own way in order to let it go and help them come to terms with their grief.
Following an open casting call for young actors from the North East and Cumbria, the cast of five are: celebrated Tik Tok performer Grace Long as Ella Grey, Olivia Onyehara as Claire, Beth Crame as Angeline; Jonathan Iceton as Jay; and Amonik Melaco as Sam.
North East author David Almond is one of the most prolific and highly acclaimed writers of novels for children and young adults. His novels have included Skellig, Kit’s Wilderness, My Name is Mina, The Tightrope Walkers, The Savage, A Song for Ella Grey, Half a Creature from the Sea, The Colour of the Sun and many more novels, stories, picture books, plays, songs and opera libretti.
His work has been translated into over forty languages and has won a string of major awards around the world. In 2022 he was awarded an OBE for services to literature.
He says, “A Song for Ella Grey is so close to my heart. It’s my version of the great Orpheus myth, which has been told many times in many forms and will be told forever more.
"This version takes place in ordinary north eastern streets, on wild north eastern beaches, among ordinary northeastern teenagers. I’m so thrilled that Pilot Theatre and Zoe Cooper are bringing the tale to the stage.”
A Song for Ella Grey is a tale of modern friends and ancient forces, a tale told since the dawn of time and told again today. 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, hang out at the Cluny 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. It is a meeting that will change all their lives forever.
Natalie Ibu, Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive, Northern Stage said, "A Song for Ella Grey celebrates the spectacular geography of the North East but captivates readers of all ages with a universal story.
"David Almond’s writing captures the vibrancy, joy, and intensity of first loves and the power of friendship while also beautifully and honestly dealing with grief and surviving tragedy.
"Zoe Cooper’s adaptation lifts the characters off the page with such grace and energy and it is our privilege to be working with Pilot Theatre to make and launch this production for a new generation of young people across the country."
Director Esther Richardson adds, “ I grew up in the North East in Redcar and Durham so I’m excited to bring the region’s landscape and landmarks to life on stage with an incredible northern cast and creative team.”
A Song for Ella Grey will open at Northern Stage, Newcastle (1-15 February) then tour to York Theatre Royal (20-24 February), Theatre Peckham (27 February-2 March), Hull Truck Theatre (5-9 March) Liverpool Playhouse (13-16 March) and Yvonne Arnaud Guildford (19-23 March).