CityLife

Library Theatre's 2007 season

THE Library Theatre has unveiled its new season, and the regional premiere of a Neil Simon comedy.

The previously-announced version of the Tom Stoppard classic Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, directed by the company's artistic director Chris Honer, has also had its stars announced.

Leigh Symonds, who took the lead in the Library's season-opener Private Fears In Public Places last September, as Rosencrantz, along with Graeme Hawley, who plays DC Crowe in Emmerdale, as Guildenstern.

"Leigh and Grame are actually friends in real life, so I think they'll make a really good combination," says Chris. (Feb 2-Mar 10).

The Library has a well-earned reputation for the quality of its productions of Neil Simon's plays and next season will boast a version of his bittersweet comedy Chapter Two.

"This has never been seen before in Manchester," believes Chris, "and Simon himself says it's most painful play that he ever had to write.

"His own first wife died quite young then he re-married, and this play is about a man, recently widowed, who finds new love." This version will be directed by Roger Haines. (Mar 16 - Apr14).

Chris said: "Then we have the latest production from the new directors' programme. This year the young guy, who's with us for six months, is Simon Pittman.

"He's going to be directing black comedy by Simon Block called Not A Game For Boys about three London cabbies who are part of a table tennis team." (Apr 19-28).

Finally there is Chris' version of the Frank McGuinness drama Someone Who'll Watch Over Me.

Chris admits: "It sounds like a weary joke about an Englishman, an Irishman and an American, in a hostage cell in Beirut. But it's the most rich and often surprisingly funny play." (May 24-Jun 16).

Visiting productions include Canadian marionette maestro Ronnie Burkett's new show, 10 Days On Earth.

The unpredictable Arthur Smith will bring his one-man show on February 25, while Bob Kingdom presents The Truman Capote Talk Show, on May 4-5.

You can get more details of the Library's new season, or book tickets, on 0161 236 7110.