The final production of Michael Rudman's short-lived tenure as Artistic Director was the world premiere of Born Again, a musical adaptation of Ionesco's Rhinoceros, directed by theatre legend Sir Peter Hall with music by Jason Carr (the first of many musicals Carr composed at CFT).

A co-production with the Peter Hall Company, the set and costumes were particularly impressive. Audiences fondly remember Mandy Patinkin soaring above their heads on a zipwire across the auditorium, a full-size glass lift and more than thirteen full size rhino costumes designed by Gerald Scarfe. Following the production, the costumes were donated to the charity Save The Rhino and have become an iconic emblem of the charity at marathons and fundraising events all over the world. One even made it to the top of Kilimanjaro in 1994, worn by the charity's founder patron Douglas Adams! In 2022, one rhino costume returned to CFT for the 60th anniversary year - view the photos below.

Cast list for Born Again 1990

One rhino returns to CFT to enjoy the 60th season