Vicky ParryCity Screen cinema, York is to screen the 1962 film classic The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner at 12.45pm on Sun 16 Sept in conjunction with the world premiere of the new stage production at York Theatre Royal which runs 14 29 Sept.
The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner was written as a short story by Alan Sillitoe and was published in 1959. Directed by Tony Richardson, the 1962 film stars Tom Courtenay as Colin Smith; a young defiant teenager, who rebels against the system. Colin refuses to follow his dying father into a factory job, railing against the capitalist bosses and prefers to make a living from petty thieving. Sent to borstal, Colin discovers his talent for cross-country running.
Thom Feeney at York Theatre Royal said After the success we had showing The Gospel of Us during York Mystery Plays 2012 were delighted that City Screen has again chosen to support our programme at the theatre with this screening. Ill be going along and Id encourage anyone who hasn’t seen it or hasnt in a while to come along. Its a true classic.
Tom Bellerby, Staff Director of the stage adaptation will briefly introduce the film and there will also be an opportunity to see a trailer for the production which opens on Fri 14 Sept and runs until Sat 29 Sept.
Adapted for the stage at York Theatre by Pilot Theatre, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, is a searing production set in Britains Olympic year, 2012. It exposes the beating heart of a nation, still broken and still divided across class lines.
A long distance race in real time. We follow one runner, alone with his thoughts, becoming part of his journey as his steady running rhythm transports him over a harsh, frost bitten earth. Colin is defiant. A young rebel inhabiting the no mans land of detention centres and young offenders institutes.
Why, for whom and for what is he running?
BAFTA winning and Olivier Award nominated playwright Roy Williams (Sucker Punch, Fallout, Sing Yer Heart Out For The Lads) has adapted the original short story for stage and the production will be directed by Marcus Romer.
