Frances Ruffelle and Stephen Ashfield to star in world première of new musical play I CAN DIE TOO
This July, Pitlochry Festival Theatre’s Studio is set to stage the world première of I Can Die Too, Frances Ruffelle, Sally George, and Alan Cumming’s new play with music about a play with music — inspired by Cocteau’s La Voix Humaine and playfully reimagined during a chaotic tech rehearsal.
Directed by Bill Buckhurst, I Can Die Too tells the story of leading actor, Lily, who can’t bear the role she’s playing as it mirrors her own life, and the ghosts she can’t quite leave behind. As the rehearsal spirals, she humorously descends into a world of doubt, defiance, and the insatiable desire to sing.
A collision of life and art, I Can Die Too is a sharp, self-aware exploration of theatre — blurring the lines between classic drama, tragicomedy, musical theatre, and concert.
Playing the lead role of Lily will be Frances Ruffelle (Les Misérables, West End/Broadway). She will be joined onstage by Olivier Award winner Stephen Ashfield (The Book of Mormon; Jersey Boys, West End) as James, Melinda Orengo (The Secret Garden, York Theatre Royal) as Lee, Flora Spencer-Longhurst (The Forsyte Saga, RSC) as Georgie, and Maya Rugen (Paranormal Activity, West End) as Young Girl. They will also be joined by Musical Director and Arranger Frew.
Playwright and actor Frances Ruffelle said: “Alan and I began writing together during a residency at Adelphi University. We shared a fascination with Jean Cocteau’s The Human Voice, which became the catalyst for our own play with music.
“I reluctantly recognised certain qualities of the central character in myself, and they were not entirely flattering. There are moments when what we see reflected at us is uncomfortable.
“With that in mind, we began to explore the interplay between life and art.
“Alan is an extraordinary collaborator — we laughed constantly, and humour became integral to the piece. At times, we worked so instinctively that we found ourselves finishing one another’s sentences.
“Unlike The Human Voice, our play is set during a live technical rehearsal, expanding the world to include other characters and an onstage band, blurring the boundaries between drama, tragicomedy, musical theatre, and concert.
“As Alan’s schedule intensified, we invited Sally George to join the project. She and I have since become close creative partners.”
I Can Die Too is written by Frances Ruffelle, Sally George and Alan Cumming, with music and lyrics by Frances Ruffelle, Sam Kelser, Mark Kelser, Simon Alexander, Robin Hancock, George de Angelis, Natti Vogel, Rafi, Dan McDougal, Eliza Caird, Blair Mackichan, and Jim Duguid.
Also on the creative team are designer Simon Kenny, lighting designer Emma Chapman, choreographer Alistair David, sound designer Tom Marshall, and casting director Will Burton for Grindrod & Burton.