Eight-time Tony-Award winning musical Spring Awakening comes to Portsmouth!
The Musical Theatre Performance Company is very proud to present this Tony Award-winning, rock musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind’s seminal play, brought to you by the same team that produced The Lightning Thief and Amélie in their 2024/25 season. Led by resident producer Andrew Wright, this production is directed by Louise Roberts, with musical direction from Jordan Li-Smith and choreography by Jess Ellen Knight.
Producer, Andrew Wright, describes the show “Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. This landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll that has exhilarated audiences across the nation for the last 20-years. Join this group of late 19th century German students on their passage as the navigate teenage self-discovery and coming of age anxiety in a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion in the daring, remarkable Spring Awakening”.
Current second year students Kathleen Crichton and Evan Gerard, who play the lead roles of Wendla Bergman and Melchior Gabor, have comment on the experience with Evan saying “I am extremely honoured to be part of this amazing cast of Spring Awakening and to be portraying the part of Melchior Gabor. This musical has a particularly heavy and deeply emotional tone to it, making it a real challenge for me to understand my character, and the struggles he faces during his teenage years. I am looking forward to what this rehearsal experience is going to offer our cast, ultimately putting the show on its feet and bringing it to the audiences at the stunning Theatre Royal, Portsmouth!”
Kathleen went on to say “I’m still in shock of having the privilege to play Wendla Bergmann in this stunning production of Spring Awakening. This rehearsal process has felt like the biggest step up in my career so far and I am beyond grateful to be supported by the most amazing and inspiring cast and crew. Playing Wendla comes with so much weight and her beautifully tragic story touches on so many themes from 19th century Germany that are still astonishingly relevant today. Spring Awakening is a vibrant and energetic musical, yet it delves into dark and complex situations—many of which resonate deeply with teenagers navigating mental and physical changes. The show highlights the vital importance of communication, particularly across different positions of power. I am committed to doing this role justice and can’t wait to bring these themes to life with both strength and sensitivity for our audiences”.
SPRING AWAKENING performs at Theatre Royal, 20-24 Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth on 18th April at 2:30pm & 7:30pm
Ticket prices £20/£16 (Concessions)/£12 NUS. To book tickets call 023 9264 9000 or visit www.newtheatreroyal.com