ACCLAIMED JOY DIVISION PLAY ‘NEW DAWN FADES’ COMES TO THE EPSTEIN THEATRE IN
2016
Acclaimed production New Dawn Fades – A Play About Joy Division and
Manchester, which chronicles the rise and fall of the influential post-punk
band and the suicide of lead singer Ian Curtis, is set to tour England this
spring, calling in at The Epstein Theatre from April 7-9.
It is a classic tale of four ordinary lads from Manchester, Salford and
Macclesfield who, inspired by the punk revolution of the 1970s, came
together to form one of the most influential bands of all time, Joy
Division.
This unique production places the band within the context of Manchester’s
history as a city, setting the scene for a completely new and fascinating
look at the Joy Division story. The legendary Anthony H Wilson guides
audiences through the heart and soul of both the band, and of Manchester,
interviewing an array of historical figures along the way from Karl Marx to
the Buzzcocks. The result is a spellbinding tale of love, passion, progress,
grief, and of course music.
The play draws inspiration from the enigmatic lyrics of Ian Curtis, with a
soundtrack featuring live performances of his most beloved tracks.
Joy Division made history – this play explores that concept in its truest
sense.
A smash hit at the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival in July 2013, the
production was subsequently staged at the Macclesfield WinterFest in Ian
Curtis’ home town, where it played to capacity audiences and standing
ovations. In March 2014, a one-off performance at Manchester’s Dancehouse
Theatre was equally acclaimed by audiences and critics alike.
Now, due to popular demand, the show is going on the road, and tickets are
on sale for the 2016 tour.
“New Dawn Fades – A Play About Joy Division and Manchester” will be touring
London, Bury St Edmonds, Liverpool, Manchester, and Leeds between 29 March
and 23 April 2016.
“New Dawn Fades – A Play About Joy Division and Manchester” is written by
Brian Gorman (creator of Everyman: The Story Of Patrick McGoohan – The
Prisoner, co-writer of the 2013 stage version of Blade Runner, and
writer/artist of the Joy Division graphic novel). The producers are Brian
Gorman and Giles Bastow of All Roads Meet. The play is directed by James
Foster (Mischief Night, The Violators and Diary of a Bad Lad)
The play stars Michael Whittaker as Ian Curtis, Natalie Perry as Debbie
Curtis and Lee Joseph as Tony Wilson. Based on fact, it is funny, sad,
serious, enigmatic and not to be missed.
Epstein Theatre General Manager Rebekah Pichilingi commented: “We’re really
excited to welcome New Dawn Fades here at The Epstein as it has received
rave reviews and sell-out performances. It is a must-see, not just for Joy
Division fans but for anyone who is interested in how music and popular
culture can help to define a time and a place.”
PLAY REVIEWS
“… a spellbinding and brilliant play about one of the greatest bands of all
time. I totally urge anyone left out there who believes in music to go and
see it.”
John Robb, Louder Than War, www.louderthanwar.com
“I was crying. It was very emotional at the end. It captured everything
perfectly. I loved it; it had everything – the music and the emotion…
there was such a buzz in the building.”
Rowetta, Happy Mondays
“New Dawn Fades is more than a play about Joy Division; it’s about
Manchester, friendship, love and heartbreak … it’s clear this is a piece
full of energy.”
Tracey Lowe, The Good Review
“It’s all very entertaining and works unexpectedly well, especially at
capturing the spirit of the times…”
Kevin Bourke, Manchester Evening News
“This is a very ambitious play and (the director) works wonders to achieve
many complex scenes with style.”
Dave Cunningham, The Public Reviews
A powerful and irresistible glimpse of an exciting time for the development
of Manchester, Salford and alternative pop culture.”
Matt Charlton, thefictionstroker.wordpress.com
“Let’s just say, this is an experience you won’t easily forget.”
Mary O’Meara, Mudkiss Magazine
PLAY LISTINGS
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
VENUE DETAILS
Epstein Theatre,
85 Hanover Street,
Liverpool,
L1 3DZ
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