READING Repertory Theatre has announced the creative team behind its latest production, The Last Five Years.
The production is a collaboration between the Rep, The Barn Theatre, and Theatre Royal Bath , written by Tony-Award-winning Jason Robert Brown.
The Last Five Years explores the journey of two New Yorkers as they navigate their five-year marriage asking the question, exploring if they can remain united as their lives move in different directions.
It will be directed by Hal Chambers (Yippee Ki Yay with Seabright Productions), with set and costume design by Ethan Cheek (Twelfth Night with the National Youth Theatre), lighting design by Jonathan Chan (Get Happy at Omnibus Theatre, Volpane at Central School of Speech and Drama), and choreography and movement direction by Georgina Lamb (Great British Bake Off: The Musical on the West End, Much Ado About Nothing at The Globe).
It will also see music direction from Ellie Verkerk (School for Scandal with Royal Shakespeare Company, Starter For Ten at Bristol Old Vic, Oh What A Lovely War at Blackeyed Theatre) and Harry Blumenau will be on casting direction.
Director Hal Jones said: “I’ve wanted to direct The Last Five Years for over twenty years. Though my background lies in classical adaptations and new writing, this is the one musical I’ve always dreamed of staging.”I’m a passionate admirer of Jason Robert Brown’s extraordinary work – its storytelling, music, and emotional depth are unmatched.
He explained: “The narrative structure, with Cathy moving backwards through time and Jamie forwards, creates a compelling theatrical puzzle reminiscent of a Christopher Nolan film.
“It feels like a haunting memory play – dreamlike, poetic, and full of magical realism. Our production will lean into that, using bold imagery and movement to explore the ghosts of a relationship and the raw beauty of love and heartbreak.
“The music is breath-taking–joyful, witty, devastating–and I can’t wait to bring it to life with our cast. Performed in intimate venues, our vision promises a deeply personal and emotionally resonant Last Five Years that captures the show’s unique intimacy and power.”
Reading Rep Theatre Executive Director Nick Thompson and Founding Artistic Director Paul Stacey said: “We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with the Barn Theatre and Theatre Royal Bath to reimagine one of the most powerful musicals of the 21st century.
“The Last Five Years is a masterpiece, bold, intimate and emotionally resonant, and with this extraordinary team of creatives at the helm, we’re confident this revival will be both timely and timeless.
“This collaboration exemplifies the very best of regional theatre: shared vision, exceptional talent and a deep commitment to producing work of the highest calibre for audiences across the country–we can’t wait to open it in Reading.”
The Last Five Years is showing at Reading Rep Theatre from Friday, September 19 to Saturday, October 12, moving onto the Barn Theatre, Cirencester, and then the Theatre Royal Bath.
Full details and tickets available via: readingrep.com
