The Machine Stops (2016-17)
Pilot Theatre and York Theatre Royal Present
A production of EM Forster’s classic short story The Machine Stops, toured spring 2017
Adapted for the stage by Neil Duffield
EM Forster is best known for his exquisite novels, but his short story masterpiece published in 1909 is astoundingly prophetic and poignant in 2016, and is a chilling prediction and exploration of our increasingly complex relationship with technology.
“You talk as if a god had made the Machine,” cried the other. “I believe that you pray to it when you are unhappy. Men made it, do not forget that.”
In a dystopian world where humans have retreated far underground, Kuno alone questions their now total dependency on technology to live and communicate with each other, but in his struggle to break out can he reach the Earth’s surface before the Machine stops?
Featuring a brand new soundtrack composed by John Foxx, pioneer of electronic music and founder of Ultravox, and analogue synth specialist, Benge.
Suitable for ages 11+
Running time: 1 hour 25 minutes, no interval
Reviews
“Thought-provoking production” British Theatre Guide
“Chilling and claustrophobic” The Stage ****
“It’s easy to see why York Theatre Royal and Pilot Theatre chose to adapt the piece and it is beautifully done.” Yorkshire Post ****
The Guardian ****
“The Machine Stops is an absolute gem” A Younger Theatre
“a story of science fiction told superbly artistically with humanity’s worst and best attributes thrust against each other.” York Press ****
“A riveting glimpse at a future that’s already here.” The Mail on Sunday ****
“a triumphant score of chest-crushing anxiety.” The Independent
North West End *****
Tour Dates & Venues
York Theatre Royal
10 – 18 February
Nottingham Lakeside
20 – 21 February
Broadway Theatre, Letchworth
22 – 23 February
Jacksons Lane, London
7 – 11 March
Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds
14 – 15 March
Mercury Theatre, Colchester
17 – 18 March
Cast, Doncaster
21 – 22 March
Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield
28 – 29 March
Northen Stage, Newcastle
30 March
Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
4 – 8 April
Education Resource
A free downloadable education pack has been created for this production to support teachers and students studying The Machine Stops.
Cast and Creatives
-
Caroline Gruber
Vashti
-
Adam Slynn
Machine 1/Passenger
-
Gareth Aled
Machine 1/Passenger
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Karl Queensborough
Kuno
-
Maria Gray
Machine 2/Attendant
-
Ricky Butt
Vashti
-
Rohan Nedd
Kuno
Creatives
Directed by Juliet Forster
Designed by Rhys Jarman
Music by John Foxx and Benge
Lighting designed by Tom Smith
Movement Direction by Philippa Vafadari
Cast
Maria Gray
Ricky Butt
Rohan Nedd
Adam Slynn
Gallery
