Southwark Playhouse, 'Orson's Shadow' starring Gina Bellman; £18 tickets for £12

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/0/e/e/600_439516622.jpeg

'A play that is required viewing for anyone with a passing interest in theatre history is beautifully served by a production that offers a powerful human history, too' The Stage

We're back at the Playhouse, this time for Orson's Shadow, a new production with a first-class cast featuring BBC's Coupling star Gina Bellman.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/8/0/e/600_439514350.jpeg

The play was nominated for Outstanding Play of the Year in the Lortel Awards on its New York debut.

There's been lots of press coverage in recent weeks, such is the anticipation for this staging, including this interview with the author in the Guardian. (http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jul/01/laurence-olivier-orson-welles-fights-orsons-shadow-play)

The setting is London, 1960. Backstage at the Royal Court Theatre.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/c/e/e/600_438803790.jpeg

Hollywood giants Orson Welles and Laurence Olivier have been persuaded to work together for the first time, the inspired idea of legendary theatre critic Kenneth Tynan.

But with Olivier’s eccentric wife Vivien Leigh added to the volatile mix, legendary egos collide both on stage and off.

Based on true events, Orson’s Shadow is a critically acclaimed comedy that combines sharp wits with tender hearts.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/4/6/4/600_439513412.jpeg

“Beguiling, full of wit, intelligence and salacious interest” Chicago Tribune

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/d/4/4/600_438803876.jpeg

Photo: Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh

COST AND TIMES

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/9/a/4/600_434519812.jpeg

Ticket price for 'Orson's Shadow': £18

For us - only £12, including paypal fees.

22 tickets only

Every seat has a clear view of the stage. Seats are unallocated in the theatre's main space, The Large, so you can select your own.

We will meet as a group beforehand.

Show starts: 7.30pm

Running time: about 2 hours

Then after the show - drinks!

In the 2015 Off West End Theatre Awards, Southwark Playhouse was winner of 'Most Welcoming Theatre' and 'Best Theatre Bar'.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/8/1/7/600_439514359.jpeg

ORSON'S SHADOW

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/a/c/5/600_438803237.jpeg

It's 1960. Hollywood giants Orson Welles and Laurence Olivier are working together for the first time.

Welles has agreed to direct Olivier and Joan Plowright in a production of Eugène Ionesco’s masterpiece Rhinoceros. But with Vivien Leigh in the mix, legendary egos collide!

The play is described as a "sharp-witted yet tender-hearted expose of the thin skins, hot tempers, and rampaging egos that exist when two titans of the stage and screen come together."

The play is based on true events.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/c/7/6/600_438803670.jpeg

CAST

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/d/2/c/600_438803852.jpeg

Vivien Leigh
Gina Bellman

Kenneth Tynan
Edward Bennett

Joan Plowright
Louise Ford

Orson Welles
John Hodgkinson

Laurence Olivier
Adrian Lukis

Sean
Ciaran O’Brien

-------

GINA BELLMAN

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/6/6/1/600_438822593.jpeg

Gina became a household name for her performance in the title role in Dennis Potter's drama Blackeyes. She is best known for playing Jane in the popular sitcom Coupling.

She has also appeared in several feature films including King David (1985), which starred Richard Gere.

She co-starred alongside James Nesbitt in the 2007 BBC One drama serial Jekyll.

In late 2013 she played the role of The Italian Woman in the National Theatre's production of the Georg Kaiser play From Morning to Midnight.

CREATIVE TEAM

Director
Alice Hamilton

Set and Costume Designer
Max Dorey

Lighting Designer
Nicholas Holdridge

------

SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/a/4/5/600_435259013.jpeg

“You’ll feel the buzz of excitement just walking into Southwark Playhouse and the bar provides a perfect setting for pre- and post-theatre drinks.”

Grab a panini or mexican beef wrap before the performance. The bar charges £3.30 for wine, £1 for soft drinks and £1.20 for an Espresso or Americano.

Southwark Playhouse is located in the heart of Southwark and is close to a variety of transport routes. The nearest tube stations are Borough (5 minutes) and Elephant and Castle (3 minutes).

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/2/5/6/600_433088790.jpeg

What People Say…

‘a hit factory’ Evening Standard

‘…they’ve carved out such unique and distinctive spaces…Southwark Playhouse now occupies a key place on our London theatre map’ Mark Shenton, The Stage

‘An astounding venue’ The Guardian

‘High-achieving, life-giving spirit’ Fiona Mountford, Evening Standard

‘Southwark Playhouse churn out arresting productions at a rate of knots’ Time Out

‘I love that venue so much. It is, without doubt, one of the most exciting theatre venues in London.’ Philip Ridley, Playwright