A POWERFUL political prison drama is the major spring show at The Dukes.

Running from Thursday, April 27 until Saturday, May 6, the Lancaster theatre stages a revival of the South African political drama The Island, in a co-production with Chipping Norton Theatre before it heads off on a national tour.

Set on Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years, the play is written by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona, and based on the true story of two inmates performing Antigone, the great classical play of political protest.

As John and Winston prepare for the performance with the limited contents of their cell, they debate the merits of their protest and the tension of the uneasy relationship increases when one man finds out he may be granted early release.

The Island was first produced in 1973 under a different title as, for many years, it was forbidden to even mention Robben Island, such was the reputation of its prison.

After premiering in a small Cape Town theatre, it was presented at London’s Royal Court and on Broadway cementing its reputation as a modern classic.

Appearing in the new joint production are Mark Springer, who played Albany in last year’s sell out, critically acclaimed Royal Exchange/Talawa production of King Lear and has performed extensively at the RSC and The National. He will be joined by Edward Dede who recently appeared as Matthew in Design for Living at The Old Vic as well as in productions for Paines Plough, Trafalgar Studios and Keswick's Theatre by the Lake.

Theatre Chipping Norton has been a producing and receiving theatre since 1975, and now welcomes more than 50,000 visitors each year to its rural location.

During the last five years, it has been establishing itself as a reputable producer of small and mid-scale theatre, particularly modern classics.

John Terry, who directs the latest version of The Island, said that The Island was a testament to the indefatigable and uncrushable nature of the human spirit. He added: "Our production, delivered in the round, will put the action amongst the audience.”

Meanwhile, The Dukes is hoping for a hat-trick at the first ever North West Cultural Education Awards.

The Lancaster theatre’s Centre for Creative Learning is a finalist in three categories of the awards run by Curious Minds, an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people in the north west by connecting them with the very best arts, culture and creative learning opportunities.

The Dukes Cultural Partnership with Lancaster University is nominated for the Arts Partnership Award in recognition of their work to develop arts, education and learning in Lancaster and to invest in, enrich and sustain the city’s cultural life.

The Stepping Stones Comic Literacy Project, run by The Dukes with support from Lancaster University to benefit young people at a Pupil Referral Unit in Lancaster and Heysham High School, is a finalist in the Innovation and Leadership in Cultural Education category.

The Dukes could also scoop the Creative Career Champion of the Year award for its work, again supported by Lancaster University, in helping young people find routes into opportunities within the creative sector.

The North West Cultural Education Awards ceremony takes place in Preston on April 28 and is part of A Very Curious Affair, a wider event bringing together teachers, cultural organisations, artists and influencers from across the north west to celebrate their involvement in the Cultural Educational Challenge and recognise those working in the most creative and innovative ways.

Tickets for The Island are available from The Dukes box office on 01524-598500 or www.dukes-lancaster.org.