29 – 30 March
Award-winning playwright Barney Norris and his internationally acclaimed pianist father join forces in The Wellspring
The award-winning playwright Barney Norris (Remains of the Day) is taking to the stage with his father, the internationally acclaimed pianist and broadcaster David Owen Norris, in an intimate, autobiographical exploration of their relationship and a study of the complex dynamic between fathers and sons. A Royal and Derngate production, The Wellspring comes to Oxford Playhouse from Tue 29 to Wed 30 March 2022.
Barney was born in Chichester, but his connection to Oxford is strong. He attended Keble College, Oxford to read English and is now the Martin Esslin playwright in residence there. An associate artist at Oxford Playhouse, Barney has embedded himself in Oxford life and is thrilled to bring his latest work to the Playhouse stage, commenting:
“I’ve lived and worked in Oxford as a student, a teacher, a poet and a theatre maker, and no city makes me happier to spend time in. A lot of this story happens in and around Oxford, so the chance to perform it on the Playhouse stage, which is such an important space to me, means a great deal. I’m lucky to be an associate artist here, and lucky to bring my work to this audience”.
His father, David Owen Norris, who also attended Keble College and is an honorary fellow there added:
“I’m in Oxford whenever I can be. Studying there showed me aspects of the world that I’ve enjoyed ever since. Making music in the Holywell Music Room, Keble Chapel, the Sheldonian – amazing tutorials, even more amazing conversations, some still going on. Great halls and libraries, deep in my heart.”
Directed by Jude Christian, The Wellspring is a deeply personal and intimate work from Barney and his father, the internationally acclaimed pianist and broadcaster David Owen Norris that examines that age-old story of a boy and his dad, and how they can relate to one another, in every sense of the word.
The Wellspring takes us inside the complex and shifting dynamic between this particular father and son, exploring the people and stories that shape us. Their performances are accompanied by exquisite music performed by David, described by the Toronto Globe and Mail as “quite possibly the most interesting pianist in the world”.
Tickets for The Wellspring at Oxford Playhouse start at £10 and are available from the Box Office on 01865 305 305, or can be booked online at www.oxfordplayhouse.com
Photo credit: Robert Day
