Tabard to Stage Play on A Theatre Critic During the Blitz
A different kind of bombshell hits James Agate
David Acton and Barbara Wilshere in rehearsal
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May 21, 2023
The world premiere of ‘A Critical Stage’ directed by Gareth Armstrong is to be staged at Theatre at the Tabard
Based on real life events, the play aims to be an amusing and provocative exploration of the roles of critic and artist. James Agate was a hugely influential English writer, theatre, music and literary critic in the mid- twentieth century. A self-educated polymath, prolific author and indiscreet homosexual, his impact on the theatre, arts criticism and the cultural life of Britain is believed by many to be profound.
From 31 May to 17 June the production by Simon and Sarah Reilly for Take Note Theatre stars Jeremy Booth as James Agate and he is joined by David Acton, Sam Hill and Barbara Wilshere.
It begins in 1942 in a wartime London of blackouts, rationing and the Blitz, as the famous author and theatre critic, refuses to change his lifestyle. But it turns out that it is not the bombs of the Luftwaffe that have the most explosive impact on his life.
Agate has written a damning review of Gwen, a prominent actress who confronts him in a lively battle of words. He is looked after by Smike, a young and tolerant houseboy and he also has a volatile relationship with his secretary, Leo, an Austrian Jewish refugee. Agate’s increasingly careless behaviour is not going unnoticed with his bosses at the Sunday Times newspaper.
The director Gareth Armstrong has played three running characters in The Archers as well as being an occasional contributor to From Our Own Correspondent. His earlier work Fondly Remembered also premiered at the Tabard.
Tickets cost £19.50 or £15.50 for previews, £23.50/£19.50 from 2 – 11 June and £25.50/£21.50 in the final week.
The production runs for one hour fifty minutes including an interval.
You can book all productions online on the Tabard Theatre web site or call the box office on 020 8995 6035 (leave a message if you can’t get through and your call will be returned).
Theatre at the Tabard is at 2 Bath Road, Chiswick (W4 1LW).
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