CHRISTIAN DURHAM
The Production Exchange
+44 [0]207 686 3215 office@theproductionexchange.com |
Christian is currently in pre-production to direct Hugh Whitemore’s BREAKING THE CODE at the Salisbury Playhouse. The story of the national hero, Alan Turing, who broke the Enigma codes in World War II but was then convicted a criminal for being gay.
Christian's other work includes the new jazz musical CAFÉ SOCIETY SWING at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East, highlighting the story of the first racially-desegregated jazz club in NY, which helped launch the careers of singers like Billie Holliday and Lena Horne. The revival of QUAINT HONOUR, at the Finborough, won rave reviews, sold out and was nominated for an OFFIE Award. At the Union Theatre, Christian directed the story of Viv Nicholson and her tragic pools win, SPEND SPEND SPEND, and staged the first professional revival in the UK of Stephen Schwartz’s CHILDREN OF EDEN. |
Credits
BREAKING THE CODE, Salisbury Playhouse
Producer: Salisbury Playhouse
CAFÉ SOCIETY SWING, Stratford East Theatre Royal
Producer: Stratford East Theatre Royal / Lateralize
QUAINT HONOUR, Finborough Theatre
(Nominated Best Male - OFFIES: Jack Archer) Chiplin Productions & Finborough Theatre.
DUSTY, Azura, Carnival Cruise Lines
Producer: 5 Foot 2 Productions in association with Carnival (P&O)
SPEND SPEND SPEND and CHILDREN OF EDEN, Union Theatre
(Nominated Best Female - OFFIES: Katy Dean, Julie Armstrong for SSS) Union Productions.
PIECES OF STRING, Waterloo East Theatre
Snaydon Productions
HENNA NIGHT, Hen and Chickens Theatre, London
Laudan Productions.
PROUD, New Wimbledon Theatre Studio
Producer: Nic Gilder for 6:37 Productions
PETER PAN, Ascot, Aberdeen Arts Centre & Bridewell Theatre, London
Producer: YMT UK.
THE PLANTAGENET CLUB, based on Edward II by Christopher Marlowe.
Workshop / Process Week via the Young Vic Director’s Programme.
UK National Tour of Boy George’s TABOO.
(BEST MUSICAL – Manchester Evening News Awards). Producer: Fiery Angel.
DEBBIE DOES DALLAS. Oxford Fire station & E4 Udderbelly, Edinburgh Festival
(Nominated BEST MUSICAL PRODUCTION - MTM Awards) Producer: Mark Goucher
REAL CLASSY AFFAIR at the Soho Studio Theatre.
Producer : Paul Cavanagh.
SNOW WHITE, His Majesty’s Aberdeen
Producer: Jonathan Kiley for Qdos Entertainment
ONLY YOU CAN SAVE MANKIND. Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh Festival
Producer: Clear Channel & Broadhouse Productions.
Producer: Salisbury Playhouse
CAFÉ SOCIETY SWING, Stratford East Theatre Royal
Producer: Stratford East Theatre Royal / Lateralize
QUAINT HONOUR, Finborough Theatre
(Nominated Best Male - OFFIES: Jack Archer) Chiplin Productions & Finborough Theatre.
DUSTY, Azura, Carnival Cruise Lines
Producer: 5 Foot 2 Productions in association with Carnival (P&O)
SPEND SPEND SPEND and CHILDREN OF EDEN, Union Theatre
(Nominated Best Female - OFFIES: Katy Dean, Julie Armstrong for SSS) Union Productions.
PIECES OF STRING, Waterloo East Theatre
Snaydon Productions
HENNA NIGHT, Hen and Chickens Theatre, London
Laudan Productions.
PROUD, New Wimbledon Theatre Studio
Producer: Nic Gilder for 6:37 Productions
PETER PAN, Ascot, Aberdeen Arts Centre & Bridewell Theatre, London
Producer: YMT UK.
THE PLANTAGENET CLUB, based on Edward II by Christopher Marlowe.
Workshop / Process Week via the Young Vic Director’s Programme.
UK National Tour of Boy George’s TABOO.
(BEST MUSICAL – Manchester Evening News Awards). Producer: Fiery Angel.
DEBBIE DOES DALLAS. Oxford Fire station & E4 Udderbelly, Edinburgh Festival
(Nominated BEST MUSICAL PRODUCTION - MTM Awards) Producer: Mark Goucher
REAL CLASSY AFFAIR at the Soho Studio Theatre.
Producer : Paul Cavanagh.
SNOW WHITE, His Majesty’s Aberdeen
Producer: Jonathan Kiley for Qdos Entertainment
ONLY YOU CAN SAVE MANKIND. Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh Festival
Producer: Clear Channel & Broadhouse Productions.
reviews
QUAINT HONOUR. Finborough Theatre, London (Giles Chiplin Productions)
OFFIES: Best Actor nomination: Jack Archer
The TIMES:…fascinating, seething with erotic intrigue and moral confusion. Christian Durham’s production is absorbing and acted with nuance and flavour.
The Stage: an astutely staged revival
Broadwayworld:Directed by Christian Durham, the show is an emotional and heartfelt journey of self-discovery ….perfectly cast group of talented young actors…superb ….
Thespyinthestalls: the direction from Christian Durham powers the play through.
Britishtheatreguide: Durham’s production of this honest and outspoken play handles it carefully, free of any sentimentality or over dramatisation, and is well served by his cast.
Everythingtheatre:a superb revival
Underdogreviews: Durham’s direction stirs with a toxic sexuality
Londonpubtheatre: Christian Durham balances historical accuracy with nostalgia wisely.
Partiallyobstructedview:Christian Durham’s production is excellent and should take much of the credit for the evening’s success
CHILDREN OF EDEN. Union Theatre, SE1 (Union Productions)
ReviewHub:a small production with a giant heart ….
LondonTheatre1: …first rate in pretty much every way … the show itself has been expertly crafted to provide a fantastic evening’s entertainment that is definitely worth seeing.
BritishTheatreGuide: this intimate revival, directed by Christian Durham, is delightful.
Fairypowered:Director Christian Durham has created a stunningly beautiful production. Children of Eden feels fresh and has a charming innocence that many musicals lack.
Rewritethisstory:The story … is staged simply, peacefully and magnificently.
MusicalTheatreReviews:the Union has made a revival outshine its original production.
Livetheatreuk: Stephen Collins
As ever, it is the directorial vision and the skills and commitment of the cast which count for the most in a revival, and now playing at the Union Theatre is Christian Durham’s production of Children of Eden which is beautifully thought through, where simplicity and honesty take to the fore, as well as some fun with puppets …. Durham makes some inspired choices … his production is chock full of detail and action … Ain’t It Good? Asks one of Schwartz’s songs. Yes, it is.
SPEND SPEND SPEND. Union Theatre, SE1 (Union Productions)
OFFIES: Best Actress in a Musical nominations: Julie Armstrong, Katy Dean
Time Out (4 Stars): Critics Choice. Tom Vickers
“…a vividly engrossing, unsentimental portrait…..Director Christian Durham uses the Union’s small stage space inventively. And as old and young Viv respectively, Julie Armstrong and Katy Dean are a joy to watch. In particular, the younger version – sexed-up, gobby and strong-willed – is a gift of a role that Dean seizes with both hands. She powers through the show like a platinum-blonde tornado. …. it’s full of grit, wit and heart.”
Sunday Express (4 Stars): Michael Arditti
“Christian Durham and choreographer Heather Douglas expertly marshal a talented cast in this vibrant treatment”
The Stage (4 Stars): Mark Shenton
“...captivating warmth and humanity… beautiful telling …Durham’s production brings it to thrilling 3D life…a sterling revivial”
plus a variety of online reviews: "excellent direction” (LondonTheatre1.com 4 Stars) “… Christian Durham picks out this dark subtext perfectly, capturing Nicholson’s world as vividly as a Hogarth etching… a palpable hit” (MusicalTheatreReview.com 4 Stars)
“ …Christian Durham direction appropriately captures the grit and hardship throughout, whilst being consistently funny...the creative team are stellar...”(WestEndFrame.com 4 Stars) “fascinating two hours of story-telling in a quite remarkable production …classy staging…unforgettable... This hugely talented team have produced a million-pound production out of nothing” (TheatreMonkeyBook.com)
DEBBIE DOES DALLAS – The Musical.Udderbelly, Edinburgh Festival.
Nominated for Best Musical Production (MTM Awards)
The Times: (4 Stars) Robert Dawson Scott. “…Part of the charm of this rude but at times hugely entertaining musical version, first seen in New York some five years ago, is that it cheerfully sends up that convention and a number of others - the high-school movie, the dumb blonde, the West End musical - with a splendid disregard for good taste and political correctness. You may well learn several new euphemisms for oral sex but you will see a lot worse than this on the Fringe. Just don’t take the children.”
The Stage: William McEvoy. “…hilarious sexual innuendoes…the porn musical for all the family. This is a fantastically performed production with beautiful young actors who sing like angels and have boundless energy. It’s lewd without being crude and has a curious edge of innocence. …The stage is always busy but never cluttered. Choreography is great and characterisations are sharp. …Debbie Does Dallas is a really feel-good show with no axe to grind. It’s directed with energy and wit by Christian Durham, adding a few theatrical in-jokes to the frothy confection. The perfect show to lift your spirits on a rainy afternoon.
Evening Standard: (4 Stars)John Holmes
Watching Debbie Does Dallas - The Musical, you're constantly asking 'why?'….why is it so irresistibly enjoyable? The production succeeds because of its boundless energy. There are innuendos galore, yet the cast manages to offer a slushy if rather warped moral message and carry off the show with endearing innocence.
OFFIES: Best Actor nomination: Jack Archer
The TIMES:…fascinating, seething with erotic intrigue and moral confusion. Christian Durham’s production is absorbing and acted with nuance and flavour.
The Stage: an astutely staged revival
Broadwayworld:Directed by Christian Durham, the show is an emotional and heartfelt journey of self-discovery ….perfectly cast group of talented young actors…superb ….
Thespyinthestalls: the direction from Christian Durham powers the play through.
Britishtheatreguide: Durham’s production of this honest and outspoken play handles it carefully, free of any sentimentality or over dramatisation, and is well served by his cast.
Everythingtheatre:a superb revival
Underdogreviews: Durham’s direction stirs with a toxic sexuality
Londonpubtheatre: Christian Durham balances historical accuracy with nostalgia wisely.
Partiallyobstructedview:Christian Durham’s production is excellent and should take much of the credit for the evening’s success
CHILDREN OF EDEN. Union Theatre, SE1 (Union Productions)
ReviewHub:a small production with a giant heart ….
LondonTheatre1: …first rate in pretty much every way … the show itself has been expertly crafted to provide a fantastic evening’s entertainment that is definitely worth seeing.
BritishTheatreGuide: this intimate revival, directed by Christian Durham, is delightful.
Fairypowered:Director Christian Durham has created a stunningly beautiful production. Children of Eden feels fresh and has a charming innocence that many musicals lack.
Rewritethisstory:The story … is staged simply, peacefully and magnificently.
MusicalTheatreReviews:the Union has made a revival outshine its original production.
Livetheatreuk: Stephen Collins
As ever, it is the directorial vision and the skills and commitment of the cast which count for the most in a revival, and now playing at the Union Theatre is Christian Durham’s production of Children of Eden which is beautifully thought through, where simplicity and honesty take to the fore, as well as some fun with puppets …. Durham makes some inspired choices … his production is chock full of detail and action … Ain’t It Good? Asks one of Schwartz’s songs. Yes, it is.
SPEND SPEND SPEND. Union Theatre, SE1 (Union Productions)
OFFIES: Best Actress in a Musical nominations: Julie Armstrong, Katy Dean
Time Out (4 Stars): Critics Choice. Tom Vickers
“…a vividly engrossing, unsentimental portrait…..Director Christian Durham uses the Union’s small stage space inventively. And as old and young Viv respectively, Julie Armstrong and Katy Dean are a joy to watch. In particular, the younger version – sexed-up, gobby and strong-willed – is a gift of a role that Dean seizes with both hands. She powers through the show like a platinum-blonde tornado. …. it’s full of grit, wit and heart.”
Sunday Express (4 Stars): Michael Arditti
“Christian Durham and choreographer Heather Douglas expertly marshal a talented cast in this vibrant treatment”
The Stage (4 Stars): Mark Shenton
“...captivating warmth and humanity… beautiful telling …Durham’s production brings it to thrilling 3D life…a sterling revivial”
plus a variety of online reviews: "excellent direction” (LondonTheatre1.com 4 Stars) “… Christian Durham picks out this dark subtext perfectly, capturing Nicholson’s world as vividly as a Hogarth etching… a palpable hit” (MusicalTheatreReview.com 4 Stars)
“ …Christian Durham direction appropriately captures the grit and hardship throughout, whilst being consistently funny...the creative team are stellar...”(WestEndFrame.com 4 Stars) “fascinating two hours of story-telling in a quite remarkable production …classy staging…unforgettable... This hugely talented team have produced a million-pound production out of nothing” (TheatreMonkeyBook.com)
DEBBIE DOES DALLAS – The Musical.Udderbelly, Edinburgh Festival.
Nominated for Best Musical Production (MTM Awards)
The Times: (4 Stars) Robert Dawson Scott. “…Part of the charm of this rude but at times hugely entertaining musical version, first seen in New York some five years ago, is that it cheerfully sends up that convention and a number of others - the high-school movie, the dumb blonde, the West End musical - with a splendid disregard for good taste and political correctness. You may well learn several new euphemisms for oral sex but you will see a lot worse than this on the Fringe. Just don’t take the children.”
The Stage: William McEvoy. “…hilarious sexual innuendoes…the porn musical for all the family. This is a fantastically performed production with beautiful young actors who sing like angels and have boundless energy. It’s lewd without being crude and has a curious edge of innocence. …The stage is always busy but never cluttered. Choreography is great and characterisations are sharp. …Debbie Does Dallas is a really feel-good show with no axe to grind. It’s directed with energy and wit by Christian Durham, adding a few theatrical in-jokes to the frothy confection. The perfect show to lift your spirits on a rainy afternoon.
Evening Standard: (4 Stars)John Holmes
Watching Debbie Does Dallas - The Musical, you're constantly asking 'why?'….why is it so irresistibly enjoyable? The production succeeds because of its boundless energy. There are innuendos galore, yet the cast manages to offer a slushy if rather warped moral message and carry off the show with endearing innocence.
awards and nominations
TABOO - Manchester Evening News Best Musical
DEBBIE DOES DALLAS - Nominated Best Musical Production
QUAINT HONOUR - Nominated Offie
DEBBIE DOES DALLAS - Nominated Best Musical Production
QUAINT HONOUR - Nominated Offie
