“The play requires top-rate actors in the two leading roles if it is to succeed, and it is here that this new Watermill revival (director Matthew Lloyd) strikes gold.” The Oxford Times
The flamboyant Lettice Douffet decides to inject some theatricality into her role as tour guide in the least interesting stately home in England. She turns a minor incident on the staircase of Faustian House, involving Queen Elizabeth and the hem of her elaborate gown, into an epic romantic saga. Her captive audience is delighted, but Lotte Schoen, the straight-laced bureaucrat from the Preservation Trust, is unimpressed. She calls Lettice to her office and fires her.
But the eccentric Lettice has made an impression and six months later, Lotte pays her an unexpected visit. Over a particularly potent Elizabethan cordial, the two women discover that they share a mutual hatred of the mediocre and of modern architecture and they form a touching alliance. A slight mishap during their re-enactment of the beheading of Charles I however, puts their friendship to the test!
Peter Shaffer, who wrote this warm and funny play, is also the author of Black Comedy which was greatly enjoyed by audiences at The Watermill.
“This is terrific theatre and an absolute joy to watch and in these austere times it’s good to be able to laugh and become absorbed in this delicious comedy. Highly recommended.” The British Theatre Guide
The cast
Selina Cadell Lettice Douffet
Michael Thomas Mr Bardolph
Jessica Turner Lotte Schoen
Helen Mallon Miss Framer
Tickets
Monday evening, Thursday and
Saturday matinées £14.50, £15.
Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday evenings £15, £22, £24.
Friday and Saturday evenings £16.50, £24, £26.
First Week Special
First Thursday and Friday evening
seats, £14.50 and £15 (no other discounts apply).
Talk Back
Free talk back after the show on Friday 2 and Friday 16 March.
Performance running times
First Act 80 minutes
Interval 20 minutes
Second Act 50 minutes
Meal Deals
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night meal deal – two course post-show meal with coffee and a top price ticket for the show only £33.50.
Must be booked through the box office 01635 46044.
Read the reviews...
The Public Reviews
The Stage
The British Theatre Guide
Marlborough People
Performance Times
Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm
Thursday and Saturday matinées at 2.30pm
(please note there is no matinée performance on Thursday 16 February)
Saturday 24 March performances at 1.30pm and 6.30pm
Directed by Matthew Lloyd
Designed by Andrew D Edwards
Lighting designed by Richard Howell