Globe Education Online

Thomas Paine (John Light). Photo: John Haynes

directed by Dominic Dromgoole

'We have it in our power to begin the world over again’

Thomas Paine's Common Sense, 1776, referenced in Barack Obama's inauguration speech, 2009.

In the late eighteenth century the English radical Thomas Paine revolutionised the world with words that continue to shape our lives today. A New World brings to life a world turned upside down by notions of freedom and liberty. American independence and French revolution, battlefields and bedrooms, prisons and printing presses are all brought to the Globe stage in this compelling story of a remarkable man.

This world premiere celebrates the life and loves of Thomas Paine with songs, music and a huge carnival spirit. The much-acclaimed writer Trevor Griffiths is best known for his landmark play Comedians and Oscar-nominated screenplay Reds.

In association with Richard Attenborough.

Creative Team

Director: Dominc Dromgoole
Designer: Tim Shortall
Composer: Stephen Warbeck

Cast

Daniel Anthony - Will
Keith Bartlett - Franklin
Michael Benz - Peter/ Short/John Jay
Philip Bird - Dickenson/Bell/Burke/Aitken
Sophie Duval - Ma Downey/Swedish woman
Peter Gale - Morris/Barker
James Garnon - Sam Adams/Danton
Gregory Gudgeon - Smith/Buck/Marat/Cloots
Brendan Hughes - Rittenhouse/Silas Deane/Lafayette
Sean Kearns - Gouverneur Morris/Joseph
Jack Laskey - Anderson/ De Bonneville/Monroe
John Light - Thomas Paine
Trevor Martin - Swedish man
Jamie Parker - Gottschalk/Jefferson/Matlack
Julia Reinstein - Lotte
Alix Riemer - Carnet
Laura Rogers - Marthe
Dominic Rowan - Washington
Ewart James Walters - Sailor/Guard/mourner
Jade Williams - Philly/Mrs Monroe
Mark Bousie, Melanie Henry, Stephen Hiscock, Oren Marshall, Adrian Woodward - Musicians

Just Opinions

"deliver, like free and honest men, our just opinions"
Henry VIII, 3.1.63-64

Have yu seen this season's production? Post your thoughts on the 2009 A New World: The Life of Thomas Paine below: