Theatres 'excited' by eight Tony award nominations

Two regional theatres that originated a new Broadway musical said they were "proud and excited" after it was nominated for eight Tony awards.

In November 2019, The Season was performed at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, and The Royal & Derngate, in Northampton.

It was later renamed Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) and opened in New York in November following a run in London's West End.

Douglas Rintoul, chief executive and artistic director at the New Wolsey, said its success was "a powerful reminder that risk-taking new work is being created in regional theatres".

The Tony awards celebrate the best of US theatre and is the equivalent of the UK's Olivier Awards.

The original romantic comedy show was a Made In Northampton production, co-produced with New Wolsey Theatre, written by Jim Barne and Kit Buchan and directed by Tim Jackson.

The same team worked on the New York production at the Longacre Theatre.

Buchan, who has been nominated for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score, said: "This is the proudest moment in mine and Jim's professional lives.

"Our show has been ten years in the making, and has grown from very humble beginnings.

"We are proud to be acknowledged."

Jackson, nominated for Best Direction of a Musical, said: "These nominations reflect the collective brilliance of so many kind, funny, big-hearted collaborators who have poured their magic and immense talent into this special show over the last eight years.

"Making this musical with Kit Buchan and Jim Barne has been a highlight of my career, and of my life."

Set during Christmas Eve, it followed Dougal as he travels from Northampton to New York for his father's wedding.

It currently stars Christiani Pitts and Sam Tutty.

Rintoul said: "Seeing Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) recognised with multiple Tony Award nominations is hugely exciting for regional theatre across the UK.

"The show began its life in Ipswich and Northampton, and its journey to Broadway is a powerful reminder that risk-taking new work is being created in regional theatres and that work originally made for audiences in Ipswich can go on to connect with audiences in New York.

"For a production developed outside London to receive recognition at the Tony Awards speaks volumes about the creativity, ambition and talent that still exists across the UK theatre sector."

Holly Gladwell, deputy chief executive for producing and programming, at the Royal & Derngate, said: "We're so proud and excited to see a production that started its life here in Northampton become such a success on Broadway. "

She said it was a "testimony to how vital regional theatres are in the nurturing of new work."

It has just been nominated for the following Tony Awards:

• Best Musical
• Best Book of a Musical
• Best Original Score
• Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
• Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
• Best Scenic Design
• Best Director of a Musical
• Best Orchestrations

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