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Edward Fox Takes Trollope to Riverside Studios

Edward Fox will celebrate the work of Victorian novelist Anthony Trollope in a new one-man show, Trollope in Barsetshire, which will run at west London's Riverside Studios from 24 February to 2 April 2011 (previews from 22 February).

A BAFTA winning actor for his role in the television drama Edward and Mrs Simpson, Edward Fox was last seen in the West End in the 2008 Savoy Theatre production of a double bill of John Mortimer short plays. As well as being widely known for roles in films such as The Day of the Jackal and The Go Between, his stage credits include Peter Hall’s 2005 revival of Shaw’s You Never Can Tell, Old Masters, The Winslow Boy, The Chiltern Hundreds, Family Reunion, A Letter of Resignation and The Rivals.

Edward Fox: Trollope in Barsetshire focuses on the writer's timeless novels which were written in the 19th century and were set in the imaginary county of Barsetshire. During the course of the show, Fox captures Trollope's colourful and immortal characters such as Dr Grantly, The Bishop and the notorious hypocrite, Obadiah Slope.

Fox also plays a number of female parts, including the Mrs Proudie. Although 150 years old, marketing material promises Trollope's "astute" observations on human nature "are applicable to modern society and his work underscores the truism that little really changes in humanity".

Speaking about the upcoming production, Fox said: "I feel like I have a real affinity with the author. He writes about a world which we all love. It's strange, yet quintessentially English. And audiences can relate at once to his work. Trollope speaks to readers today because he deals in universal themes."

The production also examines Trollope's own life working for the Post Office and writing as he travelled around the country. Having worked his way through the ranks to a senior position, Trollope is credited with having conceived the idea of red letter boxes.

- by Andrew Girvan

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