Sheffield Revives Mamet's Shawl & ChicagoDate: 19 October 2001
Sheffield Theatres Production will revive two David Mamet works this Autumn at the Sheffield Crucible. Sexual Perversity in Chicago and The Shawl will play in repertory together from 31 October 2001 to 24 November 2001, with Michael Pennington starring as John in The Shawl.
Sexual Perversity, starring Alan Westaway and Charlotte Randle, explores the complexity of men giving themselves to women and vice-versa. Written in the 1970s, it's a one-act drama about a stormy couple whose relationship is threatened by a misogynist friend. The Shawl, which dates back to 1985, examines guilt and gullibility in the story of a psychic who tries to con a wealthy woman.
Michael Pennington, who plays Dr Prentice, is a stage veteran. As co-founder of the English Shakespeare Company, he toured the world playing many leading Shakespearean roles. His recent West End credits include The Guardsman, Timon of Athens, An Ideal Husband, Gross Indecency, and the Peter Hall repertory season at the Piccadilly where he appeared in The Misanthrope, Major Barbara and Filumena. He recently appeared alongside Jane Asher in a touring production of What the Butler Saw.
Jamie Glover, Charles in The Shawl, and Charlotte Randle return to the Crucible following their appearances there earlier this year in Arthur Miller's The Man Who Had All the Luck. Westaway was last seen in Sheffield in Michael Grandage's acclaimed production of Twelfth Night. The company also includes Teresa Bonham, Dominic Rowan and Nicola Walker.
Both plays will be staged by the same creative team. The direction is from Angus Jackson, who makes his Crucible debut following his work at the Bush Theatre and the Battersea Arts Centre. Design is by David Farley, with lighting from Bruno Poet.
- by Gareth Thompson
