New York Gallop Opens at Hampstead, 3 Sep

Broadway star Mary Louise Wilson will reprise her award-winning New York role as empress of fashion Diana Vreeland in Full Gallop at the Hampstead Theatre this September. Wilson leaves her acclaimed role in the Broadway revival of Cabaret to make her London debut for the Hampstead engagement which runs 3 September 1998 (with previews from 26 August) until 26 September.

A major force in determining styles and trends, Diana Vreeland presided over the fashion world as American editor of Harper's Bazaar and Vogue from the 1940s to the 1970s. She later went on to become the curator of modern fashion at New York's Metropolitan Museum.

Full Gallop picks up Vreeland's story during a rare low point in her career in 1971 when she was abruptly fired from Vogue. After a restorative trip to Europe, the fashion diva returns to her Park Avenue apartment 'back up on her horse, full gallop' and organising a dinner party she can scarcely afford.

Full Gallop first opened in New York in 1995 as part of Manhattan Theatre Club's second stage season. It reopened to much acclaim for an 11-month run at Off-Broadway's Westside Theatre in October 1996.

Mary Louise Wilson, who starred in both New York runs, received an Obie and Drama Desk Award for her initial portrayal of Vreeland. She was also nominated for a Tony for her role as 'Fraulein Schneider' in Cabaret.

Full Gallop original New York director Nicholas Martin returns to direct the London production. The play is written by Wilson and Mark Hampton.

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