Observe The Sons Of Ulster Marching Towards The Somme

Showing at: Hampstead Theatre

Box Office: 020 7722 9301

Age: General

Genre: Play

Sub Genre: Drama

In Observe The Sons Of Ulster Marching Towards The Somme, eight men volunteer to serve in the 36th Ulster Division at the beginning of the First World War. Following their experiences, the play reaches a climax at the start of the battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916 - also the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, one of the most infamous battles in British and Irish history. With heavy casualties from the Ulster Division, the Somme, like the Boyne, holds a significant place in the history of the Irish Protestant movement.

Observe The Sons Of Ulster Marching Towards The Somme premiered at Hampstead theatre in 1986 and established the reputation of playwright Frank McGuinness, who won the Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Playwright. Since then, McGuinness's numerous plays and adaptations have been seen in the West End and on Broadway and he has become one of Ireland's best known playwrights. He has twice returned to the Hampstead with Carthaginians and Someone Who'll Watch Over Me.

Observe The Sons Of Ulster Marching Towards The Somme is directed by John Dove, a former long-serving Associate Director of Hampstead theatre who returns to the venue to be a part of this, the theatre's 50th anniversary season. McGuinness's play is one of several past hit productions which are revived to celebrate the theatre's five decades as a new writing theatre.

 

Performance Details

  • previews from: 18 Jun 2009
  • opening night: 23 Jun 2009
  • closing: 18 Jul 2009

show times: Mon-Sat 19:30, mats Sat 15:00 & 1 Jul 14:30

ticket prices: £15-£25

 

author: Frank McGuinness

director: John Dove

designer: Michael Taylor

producer: Hampstead theatre

 

map: View Map

address: Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, London, United Kingdom, NW3 3EU

nearest tube: Swiss Cottage (outside theatre)

nearest bus: C11, 13, 31, 46, 82, 113, 187, 268 (mobility buses)

nearest train: South Hampstead (approx. 500m)

parking: Car parking near theatre is free in the evenings. Taxis drop off and pick up right outside main entrance. Patrons welcome to use a private phone to arrange pick up.

air conditioned: Yes

 

Assisted Performance Booking Information

Access Booking: Tel: 020 7722 9301 Fax: 020 7449 4201

Accessible Facilities Venue Information

discounts: Discounts available for all disabled theatregoers and their companions.

limited mobility: Seats in the centre stalls have slightly better leg room. Proviing there are no wheelchair users, seats G1, G2, G3, G4 have unlimited leg room - phone first to be certain of availability. Rows F, G and H are best.

access description: Main entrance at ground floor level, with one door assisted and appropriately signed. Hard flooring for effective wheeled traffic, and the two glass doors and walls are marked for improved visibility. Low level Box Office/reception counter (0.95m) on the right, inside foyer. Lift with low level controls, Braille and voice announcements serving all 3 levels to the right beyond the bar in the foyer. Access to Stalls on ground level via a slight ramp (25 steps front to back) and 22 steps up to the upper foyer to access the Circle (9 steps up to back). Stairlift available.

hearing impaired: Infra-red system in auditorium and induction loop at Box Office and bar.

guide dogs policy: 2 Guide dogs allowed into auditorium, alternatively staff are happy to dog sit in the foyer.

wheelchairs: 5 wheelchair spaces and 4 transfer seats are available in the Stalls.

toilets: Men's, women's on all levels, all with level access.

disabled toilets: Adapted toilets on all 3 levels.

bars: Cafébar in foyer with low level counter (0.95m), induction loop and moveable seating. Menu available in large print - please ask. Drinks may be brought to disabled customers in the auditorium.

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