About
Based on Horace McCoy’s 1935 novel, the story follows two young people chasing their dreams in Hollywood during the height of the Great Depression. Desperate for money, they enter a relentless dance marathon, only to become entangled in a bleak spiral of broken relationships and haunting events. Blending surreal moments with existential themes, the story explores the fragile hopes of its characters and the harsh realities they can’t escape.
The book was adapted for a film directed by Sydney Pollack starring Jane Fonda in 1969, and adapted by Ray Herman for a stage play that premiered at the Grant Street Theatre in Melbourne, Australia in 1983.
Run time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Venue: Rose Theatre, Rose Bruford College
Age recommendation: 16+
Content advice: depiction of suicidal ideation
Booking is now open. Please book here.
Find out more about the BA (Hons) American Theatre Arts
Industry guidance
Meet the BA (Hons) American Theatre Arts Class of 2025
For industry access or further information about our students, please contact us using the details below.
Access to our theatres
Both the Rose and Barn Theatres are accessible for mobility scooters and wheelchairs and have designated spaces. Please note that in the Rose, you will be seated in the round.
If you require use of our mobility and wheelchair seating areas, including to reserve seats if you wish to be seated with family or friends, please get in touch when you make your booking.
Parking
There is plenty of free parking on site with no restrictions. There is some obsolete signage which you may disregard.
Contact us
For queries about events, access, tickets or regarding our students, please get in touch with the Special Projects Manager, who handles all event enquiries: [email protected]