Repertory Theatre is returning to Peterborough - at The Key

Skylight by David Hare, which runs from February 26 to 29, is a Vivacity and Kindred Drama co-production.

Rehearsals got under way last week and featured a mix of multi-generational actors known to theatregoers in Peterborough.

Repertory Theatre is a tradition of high quality professional shows put on by a resident theatre company in local venues and has often presented the opportunity for more established actors to mentor younger ‘up-and-comers’ as they gain experience.

Actors who got their start in repertory theatre this way include Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Judi Dench and Michael Gambon. Sir Ian himself was famously quoted in 2012 as saying there will be no more British acting greats because of the decline of repertory theatre.

This multi-generational cast breathes new life into this tradition, however, by providing opportunities for young actors to cut their teeth alongside established performers.

Philip Stewart is the production’s senior cast member and plays Tom Sergeant. Philip is an experienced theatre actor as well as a familiar face to the Key Theatre having previously appeared at the Key as Harold in The Full Monty and Abanazar in Aladdin alongside Peterborough panto legend Michael Cross.

Philip has also performed in plays and musicals across the country and around the world including the UK tour of Blood Brothers (Bill Kenwright) and Jesus Christ Superstar (Really Useful Group) in the United States.

Alice Welby plays Kyra Hollis and is an alumnus of the Key Youth Theatre. Trained at East 15 Acting School, Alice has begun racking up theatre credits across the country, including Wuthering Heights (Oxford Shakespeare Company), Crazy Sexy Cool Girls Fan Club (The National Theatre) and The Unnatural Tragedy (White Bear Theatre, London).

Also joining the cast is newly emerging actor Ben Landy in the role of Tom Sergeant’s son, Edward.

Ben performed in Three by Harriet Braun at National Theatre: Connections in 2017 and will be known to Key Theatre audiences for his performances in KYT productions such as Legally Blonde and Guys and Dolls.

Skylight will be Ben’s first professional theatre appearance.

Director Paul Collings says: “Kindred are excited to be working with Vivacity to bring in-house Rep back to the Key. My hope is that this project will offer the opportunity for the vast numbers of theatre professionals that have come through the ranks of KYT to come back to the building and showcase their talents for current audiences. I am already getting messages from people asking when it will be their turn!

“We also hope to offer more young people like Ben, the chance to undergo their first professional acting experience.”

Skylight was originally produced at the National Theatre in 1995, before transferring to the West End and Broadway, where it won an Olivier Award for Best Play in 1996 and a Tony Award for Best Play in 1997.

The story revolves around schoolteacher Kyra Hollis and her recently widowed former lover Tom Sergeant, who attempt to rekindle their relationship.

You can see Skylight from February 26 to 29 with matinees on Thursday and Saturday. Tickets start from just £13.50 (inc fees) and evening shows are eligible for the Key Theatre’s 3 shows for £30 drama deal.

Book online at vivacity.org