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A new play which tells the story of one of the world’s most iconic rock bands of the 70s comes to The Epstein stage in spring 2016. New Dawn Fades – The Story Of Joy Division is a new play by writer/actor Brian Gorman telling the classic tale of four lads who, inspired by the punk revolution, came together to form one of the most influential bands of all time.
The stage version combines the band’s history with the city of Manchester and Salford, taking inspiration from Curtis’ enigmatic lyrics, and involving many real-life characters, such as Johnny Rotten, Tony Wilson and Karl Marx. New Dawn Fades features versions of Joy Division’s most famous tracks, performed live by the actors as part of the performance.
Join ‘Mr Manchester’ Anthony H. Wilson as he takes you on a journey of myth and magic through the history of the world’s first industrial city, meeting the people who emerged from that landscape to form one of Manchester and the world’s most iconic bands – Joy Division.
The late Tony Wilson is played out in all his brilliant pretension, making you laugh at his madness and lovable warmth and misty eyed at his memory.
The band themselves are set in stone in their roles, Hooky is the thug with a heart of gold, Barney the insecure arty one, Steve the shy and quiet one and Ian Curtis the romantic dreamer with a backdrop of domestic drudgery and greyness which is central to this story – Martin Hannett captures the visionary producer and sound sculptor perfectly.Meanwhile, band manager, the loveable Rob Gretton, drives things along in a blunt, forthright and zero showbiz manner.
Wilson mixes Mancunian history into the narrative, interviewing a Roman general on the local news programme, before speaking to John Dee the Mancunian alchemist – the history is important that the radical nature of the city from its history to its music is put into a focus.
Based on fact, this play is funny, serious, sad, enigmatic and not to be missed.
NEW DAWN FADES
Date:Thursday 7 April – Saturday 9 April 2016
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: Thursday £17.50, Friday £19.50 and Saturday £20.50
HOW TO BOOK
Telephone 0844 888 4411
Online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk
Book in person at the theatre box office, opening hours are Monday to Thursday 2pm–6pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm–6pm
Group bookings for 10 tickets or more can be made by calling 0151 709 4044