Theatre Royal Stratford East presents a new stage adaptation of Martina Cole’s first novel and international Bestseller Dangerous Lady. This explosive drama, set in London’s underworld, previewed from Friday, 19th October before opening on Thursday, 25th October and will run until Saturda,y 17th November. It follows two stage adaptations of Martina’s work at Theatre Royal Stratford East, with Two Women in 2010 and The Graft in 2011.
Following the fortunes of a London Irish gangland family, Dangerous Lady spans three decades from the 1950s to the 1980s. After a devastating love affair destroys all hopes of a normal life, 17 year old Maura Ryan decides to join the family business and help her wild brother Michael carve up London.
Patrick Prior has created a new stage adaptation with all the drama of the novel, developed and directed by Lisa Goldman (former Artistic Director, Soho Theatre and the Red Room) and featuring acclaimed local actress Claire-Louise Cordwell (best supporting performance nominee in the Theatre UK Awards, Ecstasy, Orphans, There is a War) in the title role. James Clyde (Hamlet – Young Vic, Twelfth Night – National Theatre) plays her wayward brother and Paul Woodson (Three Sisters – Lyric Hammersmith, Close the Coalhouse Door – directed by Samuel West) as the other love of her life.
The staging of Dangerous Lady at Theatre Royal Stratford East celebrates the 20th anniversary of the novel’s first publication by Headline in 1992. Martina Cole said “I can’t believe it’s 20 years since the publication of my first novel Dangerous Lady and now I’m so thrilled that Theatre Royal Stratford East is adapting it for the stage, following their wonderful adaptations of Two Women and The Graft. I can’t wait to see all of my characters coming to life again.”
Martina Cole is one of the UK’s most renowned crime writers and is a worldwide phenomenon, with sales of her books exceeding 10 million copies. Her new book The Life was published by Headline in September 2012.
Kerry Michael, Artistic Director at Theatre Royal Stratford East, said: “Dangerous Lady promises to be another gripping page turner on our stage in this new adaptation by Patrick Prior under the hugely skilled direction of Lisa Goldman. This is one of my favourite Martina Cole novels. Maura is a great character to see – she’s intelligent, savvy and determined to make it work in a man’s world, but on her own terms.”
Listings Information Dangerous Lady Theatre Royal Stratford East Until Saturday, 17th November Tickets £5 – £20 Tues-Sat evenings, 7.30pm Saturday matinees, 2.30pm
Access performances: Captioned – 2.30pm, Saturday, 10th November BSL interpreted – 2.30pm, Saturday, 17th November
Post-show discussion with Martina Cole and cast on Thursday, 8th November.
•For further information log on to www.stratfordeast.com or visit Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London, E15 1BN (box office, 020-8534 0310).
Full cast list and creative team
Cast Marge/Doctor/Jenny – Allyson Ava-Brown Michael – James Clyde Maura – Claire-Louise Cordwell Sarah – Veronica Quilligan Geoffrey/Harris – Dale Rapley Jonny/Lord Templeton – Tom Turner Anthony/Dopolis – Alan Westaway Terry – Paul Woodson
Creative Team Adapted by – Patrick Prior Director – Lisa Goldman Set & Costume Designer – Jean Marc Puissant Lighting Designer – Mike Gunning Sound Designer – Matt McKenzie
About Theatre Royal Stratford East The famous producing theatre prides itself on reflecting the concerns, hopes and dreams of the people of East London. Theatre Royal Stratford East both inspires and is inspired by its vibrant, young and diverse community in a continuous loop that draws from and engages with audiences like no other UK theatre can.