Patrick Kennedy (director)

Patrick Kennedy (born 12 February 1985) is a British theatre director.^[1] He is currently working as Artistic Director of PK Productions based in London.^[2] Most notable for creating and directing new musical Halbwelt Kultur, Kennedy's career has focused on reviving new and unusual plays and musicals.^[3][4]

Early life

Kennedy was born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. He was educated at the University of Birmingham graduating with a degree in French, Italian and Chinese. He completed a postgraduate research degree at the university specializing in American actor training techniques of the twentieth century.^[5]

Career

Patrick Kennedy with composer Stanley Silverman

Kennedy has been the Artistic Director of PK Productions since 2008, during which his 2009 production of The Lesson won critical acclaim from The Scotsman.^[6]

In 2012 he devised and directed Halbwelt Kultur at the Churchill Theatre.^[7] The show was the VIP pre-show to Rufus Norris's Cabaret during its run at the theatre before moving on to Notting Hill, Battersea, Riverside Studios and Jermyn Street Theatre.

In 2013, Kennedy directed the second and largest incarnation of If It Only Even Runs A Minute at the London Hippodrome.^[8] In 2014, Kennedy directed the London premiere of Up From Paradise by Arthur Miller^[9] and European premiere of Doctor Selavy's Magic Theatre by Richard Foreman.^[10] In April 2014, Kennedy devised and directed a celebratory concert at the London Hippodrome of American composer Stanley Silverman.^[11] He adapted and directed the world premiere of The Cherry Orchard set in London in 1976.^[12]

In January 2016, Kennedy directed the four hour tribute concert to David Bowie following the singer's death. Titled Starman: A Celebration Of David Bowie, the concert took place at the Union Chapel in Islington and featured established acts such as Dan Gillespie-Sells and The Magic Numbers.^{[13] [14] [15] [16]}

In October 2016, Kennedy once again worked with Stanley Silverman to bring another Silverman/Foreman premiere to the UK. Hotel For Criminals played at New Wimbledon Studio from October 18-29 and garnered critical acclaim for its bold, unique and surreal visuals.^{[17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23][24]}

Credits

• 2016: Hotel For Criminals
• 2016: Fantastic Medicine (Workshop)
• 2016: Starman: A Celebration Of David Bowie
• 2014: The Cherry Orchard
• 2014: Up From Paradise
• 2014: Celebrating Silverman
• 2014: Doctor Selavy's Magic Theatre
• 2013: If It Only Even Runs A Minute
• 2013: Halbwelt Kultur
• 2012: Halbwelt Kultur
• 2012: The Cherry Orchard
• 2011: Marat/Sade
• 2010: The Laramie Project
• 2010: Antony and Cleopatra
• 2009: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
• 2009: The Lesson
• 2008: What The Butler Saw
• 2008: Therese Raquin^[25]

References