Cirencester theatre confirms opening date

The Barn Theatre will reopen on Tuesday 18th May with a co-production world premier of Cat Goscovitch’s new play – A Russian Doll.

The Barn have teamed up with Arcola Theatre, London, for this play, which is based on a true story, follows twenty-something Masha as she becomes embroiled in the world of data and deceit as a member of Russia’s disinformation campaigns during the EU referendum.

Iwan Lewis, Artistic Director and CEO of the Barn Theatre, said of the theatre’s reopening, “We love great partnerships here at the Barn Theatre. We were able to negotiate a global pandemic through creative and brilliant collaborations and it’s great to kick off our 2021 season with another.

“The Arcola Theatre produce incredible work and we are proud to be working with Leyla and her wonderful team on this incredibly exciting new play. We are also incredibly excited to showcase the partnership between one of the most exciting new voices in the industry, Cat Goscovitch, and one of the most acclaimed directors in the country, Nicolas Kent, with A Russian Doll.”

The production will mark the Barn Theatre’s first live indoor performances since their run of Peter Pan was cut short on Christmas Eve due to the Cotswolds moving into Tier 3 prior to the third national lockdown.

A Russian Doll, will run in Cirencester from 18th May – 13th June 2021, with press night on 20th May at 7pm. Following the run in the Cotswolds, the production will open Arcola’s new outdoor space, Arcola Outside, in East London.

The world premiere will feature design by Liz Da Costa, lighting by Sam Rowcliffe-Tanner, sound and composition by Harry Smith and AV design by Benjamin Collins.

Cat Goscovitch, who is the daughter of the acclaimed playwright C. P. Taylor, said of her play, “The EU referendum was a moment that changed the history of the United Kingdom forever. In writing this play, I wanted to explore what role Russian disinformation played in influencing the vote and how it impacted not just our political lives but also our personal. How does a click become a vote, what does it mean to take someone down the rabbit hole, and will we ever come back?”