Buried in the depths of the Ohio Penitentiary, the cruellest prison in American history, an inmate known as “The Smilemaker” keeps his brothers’ spirits buoyant and their hopes of survival alive with stories of love and sacrifice amongst the tenements and theatres of Manhattan.

Leaping from the shadows bursts a throng of colourful characters including a delirious pair of tap-dancing lovers, a hitman disguised as Santa Claus and a Central Park tramp who, try as he might, can’t get himself arrested.

From burlesque to ragtime, from Hell’s Kitchen to Fifth Avenue, this collection of sharp, witty and highly moving stories will be sure to make you smile.

O. Henry, one of American literature’s leading lights, was a master of the short story, famous for his humour and the fiendish twists in his tales. Illuminated by the bright lights of Manhattan, Broadway in the Shadows brings to life his world in a compelling new production.

“David Salter’s production is always involving and utterly gripping. Leaving the theatre you look up at the stars and they seem brighter, stranger and more beautiful than ever.” Time Out

Written and directed by David SalterDavid Salter was recently Associate Director (working with Peter Stein) on Blackbird at the Albery Theatre. Previously he was Associate Director at the Almeida. David has directed productions that include The Comedy of Errors (Cambridge Shakespeare Festival); Life of Galileo (Battersea Arts Centre) and Playing Sinatra (New End Theatre).Co-production Word Of Mouth Theatre Company, Treatment Theatre, UK and Grand Théâtre de Luxembourg