One-man take on John Milton’s epic poem told on Norden Farm stage

A one-man staging of Milton’s epic poem combining theatre, comedy and movement visits Norden Farm next month.

‘Paradise Lost (lies unopened beside me)’ is a one-man staging of John Milton’s epic poem Paradise Lost combining theatre, comedy and movement. 

It highlights the well-known but often forgotten story beginning with Lucifer’s rebellion and ending with Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden.

A single man plays all the characters, creates all the scenes and, despite his best efforts, falls a little short of perfection.

Written by artistic director Ben Duke and co-directed with Lucy Morrison, associate director to the Royal Court, this performance is presented by award-winning dance and theatre company Lost Dog, formed by Ben and dance theatre practitioner Raquel Meseguer.

Paradise Lost is a show for anyone who has created anything (child, garden, paper aeroplane) and then watched it spiral out of control.

This is an often witty, sometimes acerbic, always observational journey through the story of the creation of everything condensed into 75 minutes. 

Originally performed by Ben Duke, this critically acclaimed one-man take on Milton’s epic poem now stars London-based, Olivier Award-nominated actor Sharif Afifi whose theatrical credits include The Band’s Visit/Donmar Warehouse and the hit film Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again!

He said: “I’m so excited to be a part of Paradise Lost…  Its themes of creation and surrendering to all the struggles that come with that feel incredibly timely. 

“It’s such a full circle moment for me personally to be revisiting dance in this way while getting to tackle a new challenge as an actor. 

“What better way to do that than on your own on a stage…with nowhere to hide!  I’m deeply honoured to be taking on Ben Duke’s beautiful piece of work and to bring it to audiences around the UK.”

Paradise Lost (lies unopened beside me) is at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts on Thursday, November 14 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £16 | £14 Supporters.

Visit: https://norden.farm/events/paradise-lost-lies-unopened-beside-me