This summer, Kenneth Branagh stars as a jaded Music Hall turn whose tax returns would make a coffee chain blush. John Osborne’s follow-up to Look Back in Anger exchanges an angry young man for a pathetic middle-aged vaudevillian in an explosive exposition of British social realism and repressed inner torment. Rob Ashford directs in what promises to be an unforgettable finale to Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company’s hugely successful West End season.
What’s it about?
Post-war Britain, struggling to define itself amidst the decline of Empire and the rise of Rock’n’Roll is witnessing an alarming shift of global power across the Atlantic. Failing music hall performer Archie Rice (Branagh) perfectly personifies the turmoil of a society fighting for its place in a rapidly changing world. As his family collapses around him, Archie’s father Billy (John Hurt) clings to a world which is now just a fading memory. A blistering introspective on the identity of both nation and the notion of self, The Entertainer remains as relevant today, as the nation once again decides its future on an ever changing global stage.
Who’s in it?
The cast includes KENNETH BRANAGH, PHIL DUNSTER, JONAH HAUER-KING, JOHN HURT, CRISPIN LETTS, SOPHIE McSHERA and GRETA SCACCHI
John Hurt: Back on the West End stage after 10 years
Why see it?
You’ll be witnessing acting royalty. If you’ve never seen Kenneth Branagh on stage, it’s probably the closest you’ll get to experiencing Sir Laurence Olivier reincarnated.
It’s a rare chance to see John Hurt, the original Elephant Man, back in the West End
John Osborne’s dark, powerful writing is classic British “Kitchen Sink Drama”
Frank Rice will be played by bright rising star of Theatre, Jonah-Hauer King
It’s always fun to see if an Oscar winner can actually sing and dance and whether he’ll fall over
Musician and rising star of British Theatre, Jonah Hauer-King
When can you see it?
20th August until 12th November 2016
Where can you see it?
Garrick Theatre
2 Charing Cross Rd
London
WC2H 0HH
Former MT performer, for many years I ran TKTS in Leicester Square. I know the West End like the back of my hand - now writing and keeping a very close eye on West End Theatre!
