Photos

Photos: Principals Prepare for Pinter’s Betrayal

Ian Rickson‘s revival of Harold Pinter‘s Betrayal, commences previews at the Comedy Theatre tonight (27 May 2011) ahead of its opening on 16 June. The show’s producers have today released images of the principal cast Kristin Scott Thomas, Douglas Henshall and Ben Miles in rehearsal.

Famously played backwards in time, Betrayal – one of Pinter’s most oft-revived plays – traces a seven-year affair between art gallery owner Emma and literary agent Jerry, the best friend of her publisher husband Robert, from its poignant end to its first illicit kiss. The production is initially booking through to 20 August 2011.



Kristin Scott Thomas in rehearsals for Betrayal. Photo credit: Johan Persson


Kristin Scott Thomas and Ben Miles in rehearsals for Betrayal. Photo credit: Johan Persson


Douglas Henshall in rehearsals for Betrayal. Photo credit: Johan Persson

Premiered at the National Theatre in 1978 with a cast comprising Daniel Massey,
Michael Gambon and Penelope Wilton the production was last seen in
London at the Donmar Warehouse in 2007, where it starred Dervla Kirwan
and Samuel West. David Jones directed the Oscar and BAFTA-nominated
film adaptation of the piece in 1983 with Patricia Hodge, Jeremy Irons
and Ben Kingsley.

Winner
of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2005 and recipient of the
Companion of Honour in 2002 Harold Pinter wrote 32 plays, 22
screenplays and directed 36 theatre productions prior to his death in
2008. In October 2006 Pinter performed Samuel Beckett’s
monologue Krapp’s Last Tape at the Royal Court, directed by Ian Rickson.

Rickson continues his work at the Comedy Theatre, where he recently staged The Children’s Hour
starring Elisabeth Moss and Keira Knightly – that production completed its extended
run on 7 May 2011. Artistic director of the Royal Court from 1998 to
2006, he helmed the critically-acclaimed Jerusalem
which, following runs at the Royal Court and the West End starring
Mark Rylance transferred to Broadway. Amongst
his other directing credits are The Winterling, The Night Heron, Mojo and Parlour Song for the Royal Court as well as The Hothouse and The Day I Stood Still for the National.

Betrayal is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions.