A Christmas Carol

by Patrick Barlow, based on the Story by Charles Dickens

directed by Lexi von Hoffmann

The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come have been asked to accomplish the seemingly impossible: to teach bitter, stingy Ebenezer Scrooge the importance of benevolence and human connection. Nothing could be further from Scrooge’s mind, though — the man despises joyous festivities and spending any money — especially at Christmas. Donating to the poor? Not for him. Giving his overworked clerk Bob Cratchit a day off? Only begrudgingly. However, the three ghosts have a few tricks up their sleeves…

In this inventive and humorous adaption of Charles Dickens’ famous tale of redemption, audiences are whisked off to Victorian England by only a handful of actors who bring to life the many beloved characters.

Cast:

Photos: Herwig Lührs, Conrad Lüneburg, Henrik Zawischa

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

by Edward Albee

directed by Michael O’COnnor

It’s 2.30am, Sunday morning in the early autumn of the 1960's. Nick, an opportunistic university professor, and his wife are invited to an after party at the home of the university president’s daughter Martha and her husband George, himself a senior professor. What is supposed to be a pleasant nightcap quickly turns into something unexpected.

Over this long night, the unwitting guests are drawn into a tour de force of humiliation, frustration and manipulation that will leave everyone’s cards face-up on the table.

Edward Albee’s celebrated dark comedy about a dysfunctional relationship is hailed as a classic of modern American drama. The 1966 movie adaptation is one of only two films to be nominated in all eligible Academy Awards categories.

Cast:

Photos: Herwig Lührs, Conrad Lüneburg, Henrik Zawischa

Video: Ethan Duffy

And Then There Were None

by Agatha Christie

directed by Lexi von Hoffmann

Cast (in order of appearance):

Behind the Scenes

Have a look at what goes into producing a play like this one:

It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

by Joe Landry

It’s A Wonderful Life is based on the story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern

directed by Jessica Albiston and Jocasta Godlieb

The iconic Hollywood movie It’s A Wonderful Life is an absolute must-see during the holiday season. No wonder, the American retelling of A Christmas Carol is as heart-warming as it is life-affirming.

In his stage version of It’s A Wonderful Life, Joe Landry sets the story as a 1940’s radio broadcast coming to you live from New York City, where an ensemble of actors, singers and audio artists brings to life the idyllic town of Bedford Falls.

Idealistic George Bailey is a dreamer, a husband and father to four, and perhaps even the heart of the community. Which is why when, one stormy December night, he finds his family business unexpectedly confronted with possible bankruptcy, he desperately wishes he had never been born. Lucky for him and the rest of Bedford Falls, his guardian angel Clarence is determined to change George’s mind – and finally earn her wings.

Cast:

The Children

by Lucy Kirkwood

Directed by Michael O’Connor

“I don’t know how to want less”

Confined to a remote holiday cottage on the English coast, Hazel and Robin were not expecting guests – least of all their old friend and colleague Rose, who the couple have not seen in 38 years.

The three retired physicists worked together at the nearby power plant, which, after a recent nuclear meltdown, is now the epicentre of an era-defining catastrophe.

With the world outside in chaos, Hazel, Robin, and Rose reminisce about their shared past, digging up secrets and confirming suspicions. Gradually, the real reason behind Rose’s unexpected visit becomes apparent, raising an all-encompassing question which gnaws at everyone’s conscience: what does the older generation owe to future ones?

Cast

Photos: Conrad Lüneburg and Henrik Zawischa

The sound for this show includes some Creative Commons licensed samples accessed through Freesound.org and created by the following contributors, whose work we gratefully acknowledge: dobroide, Dan_AudioFile, Robinhood76, InspectorJ

Love/Sick

by John Cariani

Directed by Mathilde Berry

Set in a suburban alternate reality on a Friday night, Love/Sick is a realistically absurd play consisting of nine independent scenes about love and loss.

Shining a light on people’s minor and major shortcomings – and their (un)willingness to overcome them – it is all about new beginnings, second chances, and big emotions. About the daily madness of sharing your life with another person, and the unusual ordinariness of putting your heart on the line.

About people who are desperately confident that things are going to go bad, but who are still fighting like heck to make sure that they don’t.

A play about romantics.

A very funny tragedy.

Cast:

Photos: Herwig Lührs and Conrad Lüneburg

Sense and Sensibility

by Kate Hamill based on the novel by Jane Austen

A brilliantly funny adaptation of the classic novel, in which a group of nosy “Gossips” takes you on a whirlwind journey through the social conventions of Regency England.

When their father dies unexpectedly, the Dashwood sisters of Norland Park, sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne, as well as their mother and younger sister are left almost impoverished. Legal customs being what they are, their former estate of Norland Park is passed on to their half-brother John and his wife Fanny – who try to get rid of them as quickly as possible.

Things start to look different, when Fanny’s brother Edward arrives for a visit and develops a friendship with Elinor. However, the mild-mannered gentleman may hide a secret… Then again, what is up with Mr Willoughby, whose charms Marianne cannot help but succumb to? And what is Colonel Brandon up to?

Cast

Stage Photos: Conrad Lüneburg and Henrik Zawischa

The “Gossips” being gossipy… (Photos: Herwig Lührs)

After the Revolution

by Amy Herzog

Directed by Michael O’Connor

With their long history as Marxist thinkers, the Josephs are not your typical American family. The youngest, Emma, is a bright, idealistic law graduate who has set up a legal fund to fight social injustice. It’s named after her grandfather, Joe, who was blacklisted during the McCarthy witch-hunt era for refusing to name names.

While Emma is working to free a man on death row, she is suddenly confronted with a family secret that turns her life upside down. Did her grandfather pass on classified information to the Soviets during World War II? And more importantly, why did Emma’s father, Ben, knowingly withhold this from her?

Touching, funny and thought-provoking, After the Revolution shines a light on the power of ideology as three generations of the Joseph family deal with secrets and lies.

Cast:

Photos: Conrad Lüneburg and Henrik Zawischa

Design for Living

by Noel Coward

Directed by Jonathan Greenman

“I love you. You love me. You love Otto. I love Otto. Otto loves me. There now! Start to unravel from there.”

Noël Coward’s wickedly witty dark romantic comedy portrays three unconventional, stylish characters and their hopelessly inescapable emotional entanglement: Gilda, the interior designer, Leo, the playwright, and Otto, the artist, are three people passionately in love with each other. Set in 1930s Paris, London, and New York, this stylish and scandalous comedy follows their desperate attempt to try and find a conventional path forward – only to discover their own original Design for Living. With his unmistakably biting comic style, Noël Coward explores themes of love, sexuality, celebrity, and success as well as the conflicts of human desire.

Die Aufführung erfolgte durch besondere Vereinbarung bit Concord Theatricals GmbH im Auftrag Von Samuel French Ltd.

Cast:

Behind the Scenes:

The Hamburg Players count themselves lucky to have amongst their midst many talented people – such as great visual artists. Read up on how they re-created some artwork for this production.

Photos: Herwig Lührs, Conrad Lüneburg, Henrik Zawischa

Constellations

by Nick Payne

Directed by Lexi von Hoffmann

“I have to have a choice”

One man, one woman – and endless possibilities of how their relationship could unfold. Roland and Marianne hit it off at a barbecue and decide to make a go of it – or do they? Constellations explores the magic of the roads not taken, inviting us to imagine that, in a stunning multitude of possibilities, they could all be out there.

Every choice we did and didn’t make might be playing out somewhere in the multiverse…

Constellations was named best play at the 2012 Evening Standard Theatre Awards.

Over the course of this nine-performance run, three different casts presented their take on this touching, playful drama that ingeniously manages to combine quantum physics with a multi-layered love story.

CAST:

Photos: Conrad Lüneburg

Annie Wobbler

By Arnold Wesker

Directed by Rebecca Garron and Jason Couch

Ah, sweet mystery of life, at last I've found thee
Ah! I know at last the secret of it all
All the longing, seeking, striving, waiting, yearning
The burning hopes, the joy and idle tears that fall...

Tramp, cleaning woman, seductress, Cambridge graduate, famous author, imposter: in his one-woman play Annie Wobbler, British playwright Arnold Wesker asks whether we ever really discover the mystery of our own lives: Who are we? What are we? And what if we were otherwise?

Cast:

Joanna Thorn

Behind the Scenes:

Check out what it has been like rehearsing under these extraordinary circumstances and find out what was like to work behind the scenes during lockdown:

In their own words:

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)

by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield

directed by Birte Oldenburg and Lexi von Hoffmann

“All the world’s a stage
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances
And one man in his time plays many parts.”

Shakespeare, “As You Like It”

You can say that again – especially if there are only three actors (yes, three!) that have set themselves the fantastic task of delivering all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in 100 minutes. Join us for the riotous, turbulent, hilarious and utterly irreverent attempt of three Hamburg Players to accomplish the presumably impossible. Find out everything you’ve always wanted to know about Shakespeare – but were afraid to admit you didn’t know…

Cast (in order of appearance):

Nick Plummer

Camilo Daza

Martin Mills

… and Trevor Ferdy as Bob

Photos: Herwig Lührs, Conrad Lüneburg, Henrik Zawischa

Witness for the Prosecution

by Agatha Christie

directed by Lexi von Hoffmann

All the evidence in the brutal murder of Miss Emily French points to Leonard Vole. The middle-aged lady had taken a shine to the charming young drifter – and even made him her sole heir. Now the only thing standing between Vole and the death penalty is an alibi provided by his wife Romaine. When unexpectedly she turns witness for the prosecution and retracts her former testimony, the trial becomes a roller coaster ride of surprises. Can experienced defence attorney Sir Wilfrid Robarts and his team still save Vole from the gallows?

Agatha Christie’s gripping courtroom drama is hailed as her theatrical masterpiece – and it certainly showcases one of the most ingenious plot twists. The play was, in fact, adapted by Christie from one of her own short stories. Upon its London opening in 1953, it saw great success in the UK, which it repeated soon afterwards on Broadway. The story started its third life with Billy Wilder’s movie, starring Marlene Dietrich in the title role.

Cast (in order of Appearance):

Photos: Herwig Lührs, Conrad Lüneburg, Henrik Zawischa

Death in High Heels

by Richard Harris

Directed by Mathilde Berry

A stylish whodunnit set in a 1937 London couture house - adapted from the novel by Christianna Brand.

A big day for the staff at fashion house Christophe et Cie, as they eagerly await the decision of who will be appointed general manager of a new branch in France. Will it be the elegant Miss Doon or the longserving Miss Gregory? Perhaps senior saleswoman Irene or showroom manager Dorian will get the job. Events take a dramatic turn over lunch when one of them collapses and dies, poisoned it seems by a rival. Inspector Charlesworth has a murder enquiry on his hands. Behind the glamour and gossip of a 1930s fashion house, secrets and lies are rife and more than one person may have harboured resentment towards the victim.

Cast (in order of appearance):

This amateur production of “Death in High Heels” was presented by special arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.

Photos: Conrad Lüneburg and Henrik Zawischa

Poster Design: Alexander Rühl

Calendar Girls

by Tim Firth

Based on the Miramax motion picture by Juliette Towhidi and Tim Firth

Directed by Mathilde Berry

“The flowers of Yorkshire are like the women of Yorkshire. Every stage of their growth has its own beauty.”

It is a project that will surely raise a few eyebrows in their village: after Annie’s husband John dies, her best friend Chris persuades her and four of their friends to pose nude for an “alternative” calendar – it is all for a good cause, of course, to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital.

Their calendar is a runaway success and soon the six women find themselves under media scrutiny from all over the country. But their new-found fame puts Chris and Annie's friendship to the test.

The film “Calendar Girls” was a major international hit, while the play of the same name, written by the film’s co-author, has become the fastest selling play in British theatre history. Based on a true story.

Cast:

Photos: Conrad Lüneburg, Herwig Lührs, Henrik Zawischa

Gaslight

by Patrick Hamilton

Directed by Julia Claußen and Martina Plieger

Manipulation and insanity lie at the centre of Patrick Hamilton’s play. Who is manipulating whom in the Manningham household, and who can be trusted? The lines between truth and fiction become even more decidedly blurred when a former police detective enters the scene, unearthing a long-forgotten mystery. In his play, Patrick Hamilton creates an ever-changing reality for his characters that will keep audiences guessing until the very end.

Gaslight is where the term “gaslighting” originated: it describes a situation where somebody deliberately manipulates another person in order to make them doubt their own view of reality. The play was adapted twice for the big screen. The 1944 version was directed by George Cukor and starred Ingrid Bergmann, Charles Boyer and Joseph Cotton.

Cast:

Due to a severe flu, Alex F. Wüst was unfortunately unable to perform during the first week of the run. Sascha Aschikhin stepped in on very short notice.

Photos: Conrad Lüneburg, Herwig Lührs, Henrik Zawischa

Poster: Alexander Rühl (incl. photography used in the poster)

The Ladykillers

by Graham Linehan

Directed by Trevor Ferdy

A classic black comedy: posing as an amateur string quartet, criminal mastermind Professor Marcus and his gang of bank robbers rent a room in the house of unsuspecting widow Mrs Wilberforce. The villains plot to involve her, unwittingly, in their bank robbery, but Mrs Wilberforce is a force to be reckoned with.

This hilarious 21st century take on the 1955 classic film written by William Rose was adapted for the stage in 2011 by Graham Linehan (of "The IT Crowd" and "Father Ted" fame).

This amateur production of „The Ladykillers“ was presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD.

Cast:

Photos: Conrad Lüneburg, Herwig Lührs, Henrik Zawischa
Poster: Alexander Rühl

Totally Absurd

Three short comic plays

by James Saunders and Jacquelyn Reingold

Directed by Valerie Doyle

Hilarious examples of absurdist humour, playing with words and language, upending plots and conventions, and surprising characters who often defy logic - that, in a nutshell, defined our production of three one-act plays titled “Totally Absurd”.

Alas, Poor Fred
by James Saunders

An elderly couple, Ernest and Ethel Pringle, discuss Fred who just happened to get sawn in half, all the while revealing to the audience an entirely unexpected secret.

Cast:

Ernest Pringle:
Mark Lyndon

Ethel Pringle:
Amy Lee

A Slight Accident
by James Saunders

Penelope, a middle-class housewife shoots her husband - on purpose but not deliberately! As her neighbours Camilla and Rodger drop in, an almost too polite evening ensues.

Cast:

Penelope:
Valerie Doyle

Rodger:
Jason Couch

Camilla:
Julie Spanswick

Joe and Stew's Theatre of Brotherly Love and Financial Success
by Jacquelyn Reingold

Two brothers survive what appears to be the end of the world and discuss their future prospects in a former Off-Off-Broadway theatre. While Stew would like to pursue his passion for art, Joe’s mind is set on more commercially promising ventures.

Cast:

Joe:
Harald Djürken

Stew:
Martina Plieger

Photos: Conrad Lüneburg and Henrik Zawischa

Jane Austen's Persuasion

Adapted By Julia Claußen

Directed by Lexi von Hoffmann

When Anne Elliott fell in love as a young woman, she let herself be persuaded that her chosen, Frederick Wentworth, was a man without any prospects and therefore anything but a suitable match. Her heart broken, she never married. When Wentworth returns a rich man from the Napoleonic Wars years later, Anne, her affection unchanged, has to stand by as several eligible young women set their caps at him. Her situation is further complicated by her vain and extravagant father, the sudden attentions of her father’s estranged heir, and the claims upon her time by her silly sister Mary.

2017 marked the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death. In honour of one of the greatest English authors, the Hamburg Players presented this original adaptation of her last completed novel.

Cast:

Photos by Conrad Lüneburg and Henrik Zawischa

Time Stands Still

By Donald Margulies

Directed by Lexi von Hoffmann

A Play about Love, War and Everything in-Between

For years, photographer Sarah and journalist James have been reporting on war zones all over the world. In this perceptive play by Pulitzer Prize winner playwright Donald Margulies, Time Stands Still for them both after they have gotten too close to the horrors they have been covering and had to return to their native New York. The involuntary break raises fundamental questions about the merit of their work and the importance of their relationship.

Cast

Sarah Goodwin:
Amy Lee  

James Dodd:
Dave Duke  

Richard Ehrlich:
Jonathan Greenmann

Mandy Bloom:
Agnetha Höfels

Photos: Conrad Lüneburg

An Inspector Calls

By J.B. Priestley

Directed by Michael O'Connor

“Public men, Mr Birling, have responsibilities as well as privileges”

A mysterious suicide – how is the privileged Birling family connected to the dead working-class girl Eva Smith? Arthur Birling, a successful manufacturer, believes that if man minds his own business and takes care of his family no harm will come. Inspector Goole has other ideas and his persistent questioning tears down the seemingly perfect façade put on by the Birlings.

J.B. Priestley’s classic drama combines elements of mystery and socially conscious family drama.

Cast

Photos: Conrad Lüneburg

Life and Beth

By Alan Ayckbourn

Directed by Jason Couch

Recently widowed Beth Timms is facing her first family Christmas
since the death of her Health & Safety Officer husband, Gordon.
Despite the fact that she would rather be alone, her son, Martin,
together with his new girlfriend, Ella, have decided to join her to help
cheer her up during the festivities. Beth’s boozy sister-in-law, Connie,
completes the family circle. But when an uninvited guest comes to
visit, brought on by the inadvertent request of the local clergyman,
Beth must decide how to get on with her life in a manner not seen in the hitherto 33 years of her marriage.

Sir Alan Ayckbourn’s 71st play is a supernatural comedy and ensures
a bewitching evening of entertainment.

Photos: Conrad Lüneburg

Twelve Angry Jurors

By Reginald Rose (Twelve Angry Men)

Directed by Kayleigh Stubbs

A man is dead. The life of another is at stake.

Twelve jurors must decide the fate of a young boy in this gripping 1950s courtroom drama. A behind-closed-doors look at the American legal system sees a diverse group of twelve jurors sweat it out in New York on the hottest day of the year. One man stands alone in the pursuit of justice. The fierce and passionate conflict which follows cuts straight to the heart of the issues of civil liberties and social justice.

With a life in their hands and death in their minds, is there enough reasonable doubt of his guilt to fulfil this grave responsibility and reach a unanimous verdict?

Cast:

This amateur production of Twelve Angry Men received special permission to be performed as Twelve Angry Jurors by written consent of Samuel French Ltd.

Love, Politics and Dirty Laundry

An evening of American one-act plays

By David Auburn and by David Ives

Directed by Valerie Doyle

One evening, three short plays by two US-playwrights. Our audience had the chance to see our award-winning production of “Amateurs” by David Auburn which had received the awards for best production and best actress at the Festival of European Anglophone Theatrical Societies – FEATS 2012 in Luxembourg. "Soap Opera" by David Ives was the play the Hamburg Players took to FEATS in 2016 in Brussels.

Treasure Island

By Robert Louis Stevenson

Adapted and directed by Lexi von Hoffmann

Yohoho, and a bottle of rum!

When youngster Jim Hawkins finds a clue to the legacy of the pirate Captain Flint in a dead man's chest he unwittingly sets a tumultuous treasure hunt in motion that attracts a cast of wild and colourful characters. At the center of R.L. Stevenson's iconic story about greed, honour, duty, mutiny, fear and courage, Jim finds himself up against the infamous Long John Silver, a study of good and evil with ever-shifting loyalties. As the tides of fortune turn between the steadfast crew and the increasingly desperate mutineers, Jim's reckless audacity may be the only thing that can save his friends from being marooned on Treasure Island.

Cast