Troika Productions was incepted in October 2002 as a platform for performing and exploring challenging theatre - both classical and modern - and as a vehicle to allow recent drama school graduates to showcase their talents.
Since the demise of repertory theatre, there have been fewer opportunities for up and coming actors to experience work in good quality theatre. Troika hopes to go some way to bridge the gap locally in Birmingham and nationally on tour.
The Company's other primary aim is to encourage young people to discover theatre and to bring to life their studies in English Literature and Drama through the mediums of performance, workshops and seminars.
The Company provides workshops and seminars for schools and colleges upon Shakespeare, Arthur Miller and Oscar Wilde. Additionally, we provide corporate entertainment in the form of murder mystery events and cafe type cabaret.
DEATH OF A SALESMAN Edinburgh Festival Fringe Sell Out Show 2003! This classic American tragedy follows the decline of the salesman of the title, Willy Loman. As he struggles to keep a grip on reality amidst the all enveloping, yet elusive, promises of the American Dream. "Stephen Barnes as Willy shuffles around the stage displaying endearing vulnerability and bullying pig headedness... captures the slow, burning sense of doom that leaves you feeling harrowed to the core." "The fact that I am talking about the play rather than the performance is actually a compliment to Troika Productions, who gave the play a fresh and contemporary feel. However, Stephen Barnes as Willy Loman (he's also the Director) deserves special mention for a compelling performance." "Even in its abbreviated form for The Edinburgh Festival, this is a fine production." "Also, Death of a Salesman... made this a memorable year.". |
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HAMLET Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece. A young man in the depths of despair. A father murdered. A mother in an incestuous marriage with his uncle. But one friend in all the world and now, perhaps, losing his mind! "This back to basics approach puts the script first and the stage second... a highly innovative and novel interpretation... keeps the audience enthralled." "Thought-provoking theatre." "With this talented cast you will come away with strong impressions" |
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THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Oscar Wilde's effervescent, genial comedy gem. A 'trivial play for serious people' overflowing with bonhomie and bequeathing to the English stage some of the best loved characters: Algerian Moncrieff, Jack Worthing and the indomitable Lady Bracknell. "I have seen this play many times, but this was for me one of the most enjoyable performances." |
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THE DIFFICULT UNICORN David Cregan's voyage to Elysian fields. Real family theatre, starring a unicorn who longs for more than mere beauty. A wonderful, magical family Christmas show, for kids from 1 to 92! "Absolutely brilliant! We brought 70 children to see this Christmas show and we've all had a wonderful time." |
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PIAF Troika Productions proudly present Pam Gems' biopic masterpiece, 'Piaf'. This is a hard-hitting play, featuring many of the songs which made Edith Piaf famous. PIAF traces the events of the singer's life as seen through her own eyes, emphasising the pain, degradation and sheer unbridled passion which so characterised Piaf's life. "With her heart shredding singing voice... Margaret Griffiths immediately stuns... Piaf overflows with colour, chutzpah and humanity." **** "A musical production features excellent voices from everyone concerned, doing full justice to the songs of 'Piaf'. They are sung in their original French by the actress playing her and are reproduced scarily accurately... well directed and well played out." 4/5 Central to Troika's revival of Pam Gems' 1971 play, Piaf, are the songs of Edith Piaf, which were superbly performed, mostly in French, by Margaret Griffiths, who gives us a real sense of the passion and tone of the original." This was a powerful and moving piece of musical theatre with many superb performances, driving musical rhythms and remarkable renditions of Piaf songs by Margaret Griffiths." "Congratulations on a terrific production and wonderful performance". "Troika's performance of Piaf led the way, a huge success gaining 4/5 star reviews from both the local press and London's national dailies.". |
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MACBETH "Sleep no more! Macbeth doth murder sleep." Be prepared to have your own sleep disturbed by this most unrelenting of Shakespeare's Tragedies. Greed, ambition and madness are bedfellows with gory murder to create a spectacle of fascinating complexity. "By the pricking of my thumbs something wicked this way comes..." "A very interesting and unusual interpretation which I found refreshing. There were some very moving performances. Also I loved the set and the costumes..." |
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TOAD OF TOAD HALL Troika Productions proudly present the perennial favourite, 'Toad of Toad Hall' adapted for stage by A. A. Milne from Kenneth Grahame's 'Wind in the Willows'. A tale of friendship, courage, and hope. A picnic basket full to overflowing with the choicest fare. A cornucopia of delights! A ride you won't want to ever forget! So what are you waiting for? Climb aboard! "Troika Productions have kept their version true to the original but with a couple of delightful twists. Ross Simpson's Mr. Toad is absolutely fabulous and as camp as Christmas as he charges around the countryside utterly delighted with himself... The attention seeking Toad is the star, but it is the irrepressible Wildwooders who make the show. Dressed in Teddy Boy Zoot Suits over assorted fluffy tails they are beautifully choreagraphed to move as one through the wood delighting in making mischief for Toad causing him to be taken to court, and playing a hilarious game of Knock and Run against the dithery old Badger. |
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