Nick Dear's THE DARK EARTH AND THE LIGHT SKY Set for Nov-Jan at The Almeida

Richard Eyre returns to The Almeida Theatre to direct the world premiere of Nick Dear's The Dark Earth and the Light Sky. Running from 8 November 2012 – 12 January 2013, with an opening night November 15. Designs are by Bob Crowley with lighting by Peter Mumford and sound by John Leonard. The casting will be announced shortly.

Deep in the Hampshire countryside Edward Thomas scrapes a living; disaffected husband, exhausted father and tormented writer. Then in 1913 he meets American poet Robert Frost and everything changes. As their friendship blossoms Edward writes, emerging from his cocoon of self-doubt into one of the most influential poets of the twentieth century. On the verge of success he makes the drastic decision to enlist, confounding his friends and family. The Dark Earth and the Light Sky delves into the life of this enigmatic and complex character in an era of change and destruction.

Playwright Nick Dear's adaptation of Frankenstein premiered at The National Theatre last year, directed by Danny Boyle. Previously the National has presented his adaptations of Gorky's Summerfolk and Moliere's Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme as well as his play Power. For the Royal Shakespeare Company Dear's credits include The Art of Success, Zenobia and Pure Science. His Opera libretti include The Palace in the Sky for Hackney Empire and Siren Song for the Almeida. Dear's screenplays include Jane Austen's Persuasion, for which he received a BAFTA, The Gambler and Byron.

Richard Eyre was Director of The National Theatre from 1988 - 1997. His more recent work as a Director for the stage includes the award-winning production of Arthur Miller's The Crucible on Broadway, the world premières of Nicholas Wright's Vincent in Brixton and The Reporter both for The National Theatre, Noel Coward's Private Lives on Broadway and the musical Mary Poppins. Previously for the Almeida Eyre directed David Hare's The Judas Kiss - his first production after leaving The National Theatre - The Novice and Hedda Gabler. For television his credits include Changing Stages - a BBC Series on the history of theatre in the 20th century which he co-wrote with Nicholas Wright and presented, and the BAFTA award-winning Tumbledown. Eyre will direct Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 for the BBC's 2012 Shakespeare Season. His film credits include Iris, Stage Beauty, Notes on a Scandal and The Other Man.