14 October - 13 November 1993

HEDDA GABLER

by Henrik Ibsen

translated by Nicholas Rudall

Sponsored by Manchester Airport

Miss Tesman MARLENE SIDAWAY
Berte PAULINE JEFFERSON
Jorgen Tesman PHILLIP JOSEPH
Hedda Gabler GERALDINE JAMES
Mrs Elvsted CECILY HOBBS
Judge Brack DAVE HILL
Eilert Lovberg HILTON McRAE

Director JOSEPH BLATCHLEY
Designer MICHAEL VALE
Lighting CHAHINE YAVROYAN
Sound PHILIP CLIFFORD
Music STEPHEN WARBECK

'If there's any justice in the world of theatre there should be a queue around the block to see Hedda...Geraldine James...made a wonderful Hedda, at turns flirtatious, frustrated and cruel....the Royal Exchange have turned out a truly modern tragedy and a sure-fire hit.' Janet Reeder Manchester Metro News

'Joseph Blatchley and Michael Vale's production is visually inspired: an oak board floor with blackened joists poking out beneath, discreetly placed furniture, a giant chandelier and unshowy period costume. The lighting and music (Stephen Warbeck) gave the impression of timeless conformity and stultifying social ritual.'
Robert Gore-Langton The Daily Telegraph

'James's Hedda is an intriguing complex of contradictions: all upper-class refinement but with savage cruelty and sudden childishness; icy yet fiery-tempered...the cast is strong and James is outstanding. This is a subtle, powerful production...'
Kate Bassett The Times