Nuffield Southampton Theatres have announced plans for the first part of the 2019 season.

The acclaimed production of Howard Brenton’s THE SHADOW FACTORY returns to Southampton from 30th January. Featuring direction from Samuel Hodges and design by 59 Productions, THE SHADOW FACTORY tells a story of chaos, courage and community spirit in WW2 Southampton as the city recovers from a devastating attack. THE SHADOW FACTORY plays until 2nd March.

NST will host the regional premiere of Peter Morgan’s West End hit THE AUDIENCE. Running from 24th May to 22nd June, the play imagines the real life weekly meetings between Queen Elizabeth II and her numerous Prime Ministers. The play premiered in the West End in 2013 with Helen Mirren in the role of the Queen, transferring to Broadway in 2015. Southampton’s production features direction from AD Sam Hodges, and design from Rosanna Vize. Casting is still to be announced.

A stage adaption of Khaled Hosseini’s A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS will have its European premiere from 25th June. Adapted by Ursula Rani Sarma, and with direction from Birmingham Rep’s Roxana Silbert, the piece tells the story of three generations in Kabul, Afghanistan. Hosseini is probably best known for his debut novel THE KITE RUNNER, which has also enjoyed success as a stage play. A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS runs at NST until 6th July and is co-produced by Birmingham Rep and Northern Stage.

Rounding out NST’s in house productions, Barney Norris will curate THE LINE, in association with Up in Arms. Staged in a Ford transit van, the show explores the industrial decline in Southampton and the real-life experiences of former Ford employees. THE LINE is directed by Alice Hamilton and will runs between July and August.

In addition, the NST will host a series of touring productions. These include: Mike Leigh’s ABIGAIL’S PARTY, Dan Gordon’s adaptation of RAIN MAN, Marie Jones’ STONES IN HIS POCKETS, Barney Norris’ adaptation of THE REMAINS OF THE DAY, Kneehigh’s DEAD DOG IN A SUITCASE (AND OTHER LOVE SONGS), Jon Brittain’s ROTTERDAM and Inua Ellams’ BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES.