Incisive satire of theatre life (From Stroud News and Journal)

Incisive satire of theatre life

AN EVOCATIVE, comic and tragic picture of theatrical life starring Nicholas Lyndhurst and Julian Glover opens at Cheltenhams Everyman theatre this week

Inspired by the memories of his years working as Donald Wolfitt's dresser, Ronald Harwood's The Dresser is a perceptive and hilarious portrait of backstage life. This touring production is the first major revival of the play, which was made into an award-winning film starring Tom Courtney and Albert Finney.

The year is 1941 and Hitler's bombs are falling on war-torn Britain. But this doesn't stop Sir, a redoubtable Actor/Manager made of the same stuff as the great Sir Henry Irving, from touring the works of Shakespeare to theatres throughout England, under the most trying circumstances ever presented to a theatrical company this century.

Behind the scenes lurks his dresser; the omnipresent Norman. He is the unsung hero of the piece.

Through the air raids he creates a backstage 'bunker' of cosy security for the fading genius. He prepares the make-up table, mends the costumes, massages the ego, reminds him of his opening lines and provides the sounds effects in the storm scene.

Nicholas Lyndhurst, of Only Fools and Horses, Butterflies and Goodnight Sweetheart fame, plays Norman and the distinguished Shakespearian actor Julian Glover plays Sir.

The Dresser is directed by Peter Hall, founder of the RSC and formerly director of the National Theatre, who has been responsible for some of the most unforgettable British theatre productions of the last fifty years.

The Dresser runs at The Everyman from from Monday, February 7 to Saturday, February 12 at 7.45pm. Tickets are available from the box office.