Yanks Don't Get Morecambe & Wise???

Given that legendary British comedians Morecambe and Wise were virtually unheard-of in America, the Broadway transfer of the Right Size's multi award-winning homage to the late stars, The Play What I Wrote, was always going to be risky. And so it's proved. The production, which opened at Broadway's Lyceum Theater on 7 March 2003, attracted strong reviews and a string of American "mystery guests" including Kevin Kline, Glenn Close, Nathan Lane and Eric McCormack from TV's Will and Grace. It was also nominated for a Tony Award for Special Theatrical Event but, 24 hours after losing out to Def Poetry Jam for the prize (See News, 9 Jun 2003), producers decided to call it quits. The comedy will now close this Sunday, 15 June 2003, after just 27 previews and 89 performances, although a US regional tour is being planned for the autumn. The Play What I Wrote first opened in the West End in November 2001 at Wyndham's Theatre, where it had a sell-out six months and returned for another limited season from 30 October 2002 to 4 January 2003. Amongst the celebrities who clamoured to feature in the guest slot in London were Ralph Fiennes, Richard Wilson, Ewan McGregor, Jerry Hall, Dawn French, Minnie Driver and Kenneth Branagh, who also directed the production. Te show's many accolades in the UK included the 2002 Laurence Olivier Awards for both Best New Comedy and Best Supporting Actor (for Toby Jones) as well as the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Ensemble Performance.

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