Playing The Games at Criterion Theatre 26 July - 12 August

Playing The Games, a programme of work celebrating both artistic and sporting talent, will be at the Criterion Theatre from 26 July - 12 August 2012, and includes 2 afternoon plays and a series of lunchtime discussions with past and present Olympians, interviewed by leading arts personalities.

The two afternoon plays will mostly be performed on the same afternoons, except Wednesdays & Saturdays. Both plays have designs by James Cotterill, lighting by Emma Chapman and sound by Gregory Clarke.

After The Party by Serge Cartwright (world premiere). Directed by Sam Hodges. Cast includes Sophie Cosson, David Fynn, Malcolm Hamilton, Kate Lamb, Richard Riddell. Sean and Ray are best friends from Stratford. Once a promising DJ double act, now they're stuck in a rut: 30ish, unemployed but still clinging to a fantasy of making it in the music industry. With a baby on the way and the world about to arrive on their doorstep for London 2012, it could be the perfect opportunity for them to make something of their lives....

Taking Part by Adam Brace. Directed by Charlotte Gwinner . Cast includes Obi Abili, Paul Moriarty. Lucky Henry, a Congolese security guard, has set his sights set on representing his country at the 2012 Olympics. Only one problem; he's a terrible swimmer and his Russian coach wants to fly home on the first day of training. Everyone loves an underdog - think Eddie the Eagle or Eric the Eel. Follow Henry's journey from deep end straggler to Olympic hopeful as the two men try to fulfill their dreams at the London games.

LUNCHTIME DISCUSSIONS
at 1pm and tickets £10 - £35.00

Monday 30 July - Television presenter and columnist Rick Edwards will interview Kriss Akabusi the 4 x 400 metre relay silver medallist.Stephen Fry will interview Edwin Moses, the 400 metre hurdle gold medallist, unbeaten for nine years.

Tuesday 7 August - Film and theatre director and Creative Executive Producer of Ceremonies for the London Olympic Games Stephen Daldry will interview Haile Gebrseselassie, the two time 10,000 metre gold medallist.

Friday 10 August - Actor Clive Owen will interview Adrien Niyonshuti, ex child soldier and the first ever Rwandan to qualify for the Games in his event. He will represent Team Rwanda in Cross Country Mountain Biking at the 2012 London Olympics.

Other events include...

AN EVENING WITH ....Some of the UK's stand-up comedians will take to the Criterion stage for one off performances. Tickets are £15.00 - £25.00.
Thursday 26 July - stand-up and novelist Mark Watson; Sunday 29 July - writer, comedian and actor Alan Davies performs a one off West End gig, his first UK stand up appearance in 12 years; Tuesday 31 July - Comedian Stephen K Amos.

STORIES BEFORE BEDTIME Friday 10 August at 10.30pm - Brian Blessed, Stephen Fry and Eddie Izzard will read from a collection of literature's funniest and most iconic sporting tales. Tickets are £15 - £35.

PAPER CINEMA: THE ODYSSEY Sunday 12 August at 1pm - Homer's epic adventure brought to life in 70 minutes through puppets, live cinema and a three piece band. Tickets are £15.

Tickets: 0844 847 1778