Pippin - Menier Chocolate Factory

Pippin

The popular Broadway musical, which originally appeared in the West End back in the 1970s, is set to return to  London stage this November with a run at the renowned Menier Chocolate Factory, following on from the all-star show “Terrible Advice”. It will be an opportunity to revisit the work of Stephen Schwartz and Roger O Hirson, the musician/lyricist and writer respectively, and the latest chance to see the work of director Mitch Sebastian come together onstage. As a production headed to the London Bridge venue it is likely to get plenty of attention and this will ensure that audiences pick up Theatre Tickets in large numbers.

The title refers to the character of the same name, Pippin, who is the heir to the throne of Charlemagne and is regularly faced with the opposite of his desires from the world around him. Whilst he desires the likes of beauty, fame, magic and glory, he must settle for lust, religion, sex and politics. But this is not the whole story; in “Pippin” we are not simply presented with this story but instead witnesses to it via an acting troupe attempting to tell his tale. It is based on the real life people who lived in the Middle Ages though the creative minds behind it have utilised their artistic licence to add extra punch to the plot.

Director Mitch Sebastian is no stranger to directing London theatre productions. His best known work takes the form of “The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas”, a production that appears in the capital year after year (including this January at the Wyndham’s Theatre, in addition to “Christmas with the Rat Pack” from December). However he has also been behind other works, including “Playhouse Creatures” at the Old Vic Theatre and “Romance Romance” at the Gielgud Theatre. His work has also seen him work on the choreography of television shows and the 2004 Laurence Olivier Awards, making him a sought-after talent.

So with a celebrated musical production returning to the stage and a talented director working behind the scenes, “Pippin” is likely to turn many heads when it makes its appearance at the Menier Chocolate Factory from Tuesday 22nd November 2011 to Saturday 25th February 2012.