Gallery 7 Theatre Stages Charles Dickens World Premier and Jane Austen Christmas Sequel

Gallery 7 Theatre is excited to be staging the world premier of an adaption of A Tale of Two Cities, a play based on the Charles Dickens’ novel by Abbotsford playwright, Adriel Brandt, as well as a sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice called Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, written by Lauren Gunderson & Margot Melcon.

A Tale of Two Cities, directed by Gabe Kirkley and featuring a cast of artists from around the region, will run November 10 & 11, 15 – 18.

It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times. Set in the late 1700s in the days leading up to and during the French Revolution, a family is caught in a web of legal challenges and social upheaval. Charles Darnay, having shirked his inheritance and any association with his brutal family, heads to England following his acquittal of treason. Having married Lucie Manette, who cares for her invalid father, Darnay is soon called back to France, and with the tensions and unrest at an all-time high, he is found to be an enemy of the state and imprisoned.

Sidney Carton, a close friend of Lucie’s and responsible for Darnay’s original acquittal, dedicates himself to returning the beleaguered Darnay to his family, but faces the prospect of great self-sacrifice in the process. A stunning and unrelenting story of family, justice and sacrifice, this exciting new adaption explores gluttony, tyranny, the excess of violent revolution and the power of love.

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, directed by Sarah Green, will run December 15 & 16, 20-23.

Set shortly after the events of Pride and Prejudice, this sequel to the beloved novel focusses on the studious and brainy sister, Mary, who is increasingly becoming fatigued of her role as a dutiful middle sister in the wake of her sibling’s romantic escapades. When the family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley, an unexpected guest inspires hope for an intellectual companion, greater autonomy, and potential love for Mary. Featuring many of the beloved characters from the Jane Austen classic, this show will bring cheer to the Christmas season like a steaming mug of hot apple cider!

‘We’ve been walking alongside Adriel Brandt in the development of a script for A Tale of Two Cities over the past few years and we’re excited to finally be presenting a fully staged production of his new adaptation,” explains Ken Hildebrandt, Executive/Artistic Director of Gallery 7 Theatre. “We’re also thrilled to be bringing some extra Christmas cheer to people’s holiday season with a charming and heart-warming sequel to a Jane Austen classic.”

For tickets and more information on these and all other shows, visit www.gallery7theatre.com or call 604-504-5940. Season subscriptions are also available!