What's On Our Radar? - February 2016

Emily Hardy reveals her February favourites.

The End of Longing

The Playhouse theatre

February 2 - May 14

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Written by and starring Friends’ Matthew Perry, The End of Longing is the one everyone’s been talking about. Scuppering what everyone believed would be a bonafide Friends reunion on 21 February, Matthew Perry is making his return to the West End with this ‘fast paced’ and ‘bittersweet’ comic play. What’s more Lindsay Posner (Speed-the-Plow, Other Desert Cities), who first collaborated with Perry on Sexual Perversity in 2003, is on board too.

Set in Los Angeles, The End of Longing tells of four lost souls, entering their forties and searching for meaning. After one raucous night in a downtown bar, their lives become irreversibly entwined and they are forced to confront the ‘darker sides’ of their relationships.

We know that this project has been of particular pertinence and importance to Perry because, as he revealed on BBC’s Graham Norton Show, he’s playing an alcoholic after having battled with an alcohol addiction himself. I for one will be especially interested to see how the much-loved comic actor’s play holds up, and how this, his playwriting debut, will be received by London’s fierce critics at the Gala performance on the 11th.

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Hand to God

Vaudeville Theatre

February 5 - June 11

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“Sesame Street meets The Exorcist,” proudly states the publicity for Robert Askins’ blasphemous puppet show Hand to God. And I’ve got a feeling, judging by the hype, this is no exaggeration.

Another gift from across the pond, Hand to God opened on Broadway in April 2015 featuring Marc Kudisch, Steven Boyer and Geneva Carr. But hand puppets in London just got naughty too. With Harry Melling, Janie Dee, Neil Pearson, Jemima Rooper and Kevin Mains in tow, all hell is about to break out at the Vaudeville. So pop on your sock puppets and get your tickets while you can.

Take a look at this great teaser. Book Now

A Steady Rain

Arcola Theatre

February 10 - March 5

Another American playwright to emblazon the British stage is Mad Men and House of Cards writer Keith Huff with the UK premiere of his Broadway smash A Steady Rain. This fresh production at the off-West End Arcola Theatre, directed by Andrew Pearson, stars Vincent Regan (300, Troy, Clash of the Titans) and David Schaal (The Office, The Inbetweeners). To find out more about this ‘heart-stopping drama’ read our interview with Vincent and David here.

A Steady Rain has won major plaudits since its Broadway debut in 2009 starring Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig; it will be fascinating to learn what British audiences will make of it now in its new, more intimate East London venue.

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End of the Rainbow

UK Tour

12 February - 8 July

Caroline O’Connor smashed it first, then Tracie Bennett and now it’s Lisa Maxwell’s turn to walk in Judy Garland’s shoes… or should I say ruby slippers?

The success of Peter Quilter’s End of the Rainbow speaks for itself with sell-out seasons in the West End and on Broadway, not to mention performances in 27 countries and a movie currently in development too. Now Brits across the country will have the opportunity to witness the unfolding of Garland’s life with this incredibly moving biopic.

“Audiences fall completely in love with her,” says Quilter, “in spite of her behaviour on and off stage. Plus the music is timeless and beautiful.

“We have a great cast in the new six-month UK tour: Lisa Maxwell, Sam Attwater and Gary Wilmot. It’s going to be a wonderful night in the theatre with these guys!”

Opening at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester this touring production is not to be missed. NB: Don’t forget your tissues - there will be tears.

Full listings here. Read our interview with writer Peter Quilter. And lastly, something a little bit different….

In the Night Time (Before the Sun Rises)

Gate Theatre, Notting Hill

February 4 - 27

Part of Nuclear: A Season about the family at Notting Hill’s Gate Theatre dissects and investigates the phenomenon that is the familiar nuclear family - the twists, turns and idiosyncrasies that characterise family life as we know it.

Playwright Nina Segal’s contribution to the season, In the Night Time (Before the Sun Rises), asks if having a child is a responsible or a selfish act, exploring one couple’s anxiety over having their first baby amidst the bombardment of headlines about tragedies, destruction and global unrest. Within this context, can we really justify bringing a child into the world?

The action of this world premiere takes place over one long night. As a man and a woman attempt to comfort their baby, becoming intoxicated from lack of sleep, the horrors that scar our planet crash into the baby’s room. Don’t miss this powerful and pertinent play directed by Genesis Future Director Award winner Ben Kidd. Watch the trailer. Book Now