Old Fools by Tristan Bernays (Boudica Shakespeare’s Globe 2017) will be at Southwark Playhouse from 14th March to 7th April. Directed by Sharon Burrell, it’s the story of Tom and Viv, their life and the love they’ve shared together from first spark to dying light, but not necessarily in that order. It’s a surprising, funny and touching tale about a couple, one of whom is living with Alzheimer’s, and their enduring efforts to hold their relationship together through the years.
The play was written by Tristan Bernays, an award winning writer and performer. Teddy premiered at Southwark Playhouse and his other work has been performed at The Globe, Soho Theatre, Bush Theatre, National Theatre Studio and Roundhouse. His play Boudica was performed at The Globe in September 2017 as part of Emma Rice’s Summer of Love season, with Gina McKee in the title role.
Playing Tom is Mark Arends who originated the lead role in the landmark Almeida/ Headlong production of George Orwell’s 1984 (“the superb Mark Arends plays Winston Smith as a feverish wreck hollowed out by angst” Evening Standard ).
Playing Viv is Frances Grey, known for her leading roles in television series such as Messiah and Home Fires, as well has her recent performance as Paulina in The Winter’s Tale at The Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh (“Beautiful, dignified and passionate as Leontes’s wronged wife Hermione” The Scotsman ).
Upcoming events:
Monday 19th March
Show at 8pm followed by a panel discussion with the writer, director and actors focusing on how the play was brought from page to stage and believably portraying these characters and the challenges they face in a story told ‘out of linear time’.
Wednesday 21st March Gala Performance
To coincide with the final day of the Research Conference 2018, a special fund-raising Gala Performance of the show at 8pm followed by a panel discussion on Alzheimer’s and its creative representation on stage. Chaired by Laurie Brett (EastEnders, Waterloo Road, Les Miserables) the panel includes Tristan Bernays, the playwright; Tim Parry, Director of Communications ARUK and a Clinician working in the field. For this night only the ticket price will be £30, instead of the usual £20 price, with the difference being donated to ARUK by the production, therefore reduced pricing/concessions will NOT apply to this Performance.
To book tickets click here:
http://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/show/old-fools/
This production is supporting the charity Alzheimer’s Research UK. To donate go to: https://donate.alzheimersresearchuk.org/publicnew/