Duff is Rattigan’s Cause Celebre at Old Vic

Wednesday night at the Old Vic was a true success where over 160 theatregoers enjoyed the thrilling production of Cause Celebre. Originally a BBC radio play first broadcast in 1975 Cause Celebre  is based on the true story of Alma Rattenbury (Anne-Marie Duff) who was put on public trial in 1935 with her 18-year-old lover for violently killing her husband. The production is part of the 2011 centenary celebrations of Rattigan’s birth.

Condemned by the public, more for her seduction of a younger man than for any involvement she may have had in her husband’s death, Alma’s fate is left in the hands of the socially and sexually repressed jury forewoman, Edith Davenport (Niamh Cusack). Through these two women, this powerful play examines the role of passion, guilt and loyalty in a study of 1930s English sensibilities.

Anne-Marie Duff returns to the stage for the first time since 2007 when she won Evening Standard Theatre, South Bank Show, and The Critics’ Circle Awards, as well as receiving an Olivier Award nomination, for her 2007 performance in Saint Joan at the National Theatre. Niamh Cusack‘s  many theatre credits include Women, Power and Politics (Tricycle), Andersen’s English (Hampstead Theatre and UK tour), Dancing at Lughnasa at The Old Vic, Sir Peter Hall’s Portrait Of A Lady (Theatre Royal Bath), The Enchantment and Nicholas Hytner’s His Dark Materials both at The National Theatre. 

Thea Sharrock thrills audiences again with Cause Celebre and is currently directing Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit in the West End.

Please do feel free to email your comments and thoughts about the play, as well as any photos you have of the event and the evening through to feedback@whatsonstage.com, we love to hear from you.

Thanks for joining us for this event, and do check the homepage to keep up to date on all of our upcoming Outings.