The latest addition to the Old Vic’s In Camera series will Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax from 14–17 April 2021 with Jamael Westman (Hamilton, West End) as the Once-ler and Audrey Brisson, David Ricardo-Pearce and Ben Thompson as The Lorax. Other cast includes: Richard Katz, Melanie La Barrie and Silas Wyatt-Barke.
Staged in celebration of Earth Day and the book’s 50th anniversary of publication, David Greig and Charlie Fink’s Olivier Award-nominated adaptation, directed by Max Webster, is inventively transformed into a semi-staged pint-size version to keep young (and older) minds entertained, enchanted and empowered with its central message of protecting the planet.
The Old Vic: In Camera series has provided almost 100,000 people across 90 countries with live theatre throughout lockdown. For this, the fifth global live stream, the theatre will be extending the production to family audiences and schools who continue to miss out on live theatre experiences.
Three free In Camera: Playback performances of the live recording will be offered to schools across the globe on Earth Day on 22 April. From 29 March, teachers will have the opportunity to book for one of the three performances which will be streamed at various times throughout the day, and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Artistic director Matthew Warchus said:
‘We first presented our hugely popular production of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax back in 2015 and I still regard David Greig’s dazzling adaptation as one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. It’s a hugely entertaining and urgently relevant parable about how all of us, adult and child alike, can play our part in saving the planet.
“We are aiming to bring that full production back to The Old Vic but in the meantime, this stripped-back version for our fundraising Old Vic: In Camera series is a timely way of sharing this perfect tale of a global catastrophe followed by joyous renewal and rebirth.”
Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, added: “We are honoured that The Old Vic is bringing Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax back to the stage for fans around the world, including thousands of students who will have access to the production this Earth Day for free. It’s perfect that so many people will be able to watch this beautiful production as The Lorax marks its 50th anniversary.”
