What is our life? A game!
Hermann will stop at nothing to discover the secret of the three card gambling trick that will make his fortune.
In the first major theatrical adaptation of the story outside of the opera house in the UK, Pushkin’s classic novella is reinvented as a thrilling drama of the imagination, bringing the lyricism and satirical qualities of the original to life. His story is revealed to us in a series of dreams that take us from the bedroom of an old, dying Countess to the gambling tables of St Petersburg. Accompanied by original music and sound design by Daniel Saleeb (Yellow, Riverside Studios), Raymond Blankenhorn’s verse adaptation draws on material from across Pushkin’s work, in particular the playful spirit of his narrative poems.
An unmissable opportunity to experience the work of Russia’s greatest poet in the UK.
“bracingly theatrical…we are instantly engulfed in a world of madness and intrigue” THE STAGE
“All the ingredients Fusebox prides itself on do indeed fuse…unique and compelling” ARTSDESK
“a trippy, funhouse nightmare replete with humour and attention to detail” A YOUNGER THEATRE
“Hoehn succeeds in creating excitement, humour and a sense of experimentation that is fully engaging and original” N16 MAGAZINE
THE QUEEN OF SPADES
A new adaptation from the short story by Alexander Pushkin
written by Raymond Blankenhorn
Conceived and directed by Max Hoehn
Produced by Amy Powell Yeates
Costume and set design by Valentina Ricci
Original music and sound design by Daniel Saleeb
Lighting design by Edmund Sutton
Cast:
Hermann: Benjamin Way
The Countess/Usher: Norma Cohen
Liza: Jen Holt
‘ A Must See’ The Stage on The Master and Margarita, 2010
Generously supported by Pushkin House, Jacksons Lane, The Swiss Cultural Fund in Britain, The Russo-British Chamber of Commerce and the GB-Russia Society.
Please note: this production contains strong language.
