Five Reasons To See … The Living Room
Graham Greene’s first play, The Living Room, is receiving its first professional revival this March at Jermyn Street Theatre. Running until 30 March, cast includes Christopher Timothy and Tuppence Middleton.
Here, the company give us five reasons to go along…
1. A rare opportunity
The Living Room premiered in 1953, where it was a smash hit in the West End, running for two years, and transferred to Broadway. On its 60th anniversary, this is its first professional revival, and for almost everyone will be their first chance to see this remarkable play, described by Kenneth Tynan as ‘the best first play of its generation’.
2. A story of sex, sin, and guilt
The night after her mother’s funeral, Rose Pemberton should be in church. Instead, she is making love in a hotel room with Michael, a married psychology lecturer. When Rose arrives at her new home – the creepy house of her elderly aunts and crippled uncle, she finds that nearly all the rooms are locked and cannot be opened…
3. An all-star cast
Christopher Timothy, well-known for his roles in All Creatures Great and Small and Doctors, is joined by rising film star Tuppence Middleton (Tormented, Cleanskin, and the BBC’s forthcoming The Lady Vanishes). Alongside them are veterans Caroline Blakiston (numerous seasons with the NT and RSC) and Diane Fletcher (House of Cards), Emma Davies and Christopher Villiers. It’s a simply outstanding cast.
4. One of the best English writers
Graham Greene was perhaps the most famous writer in the world when he wrote The Living Room. Drawing on his many Catholic novels, and his screenplay for the legendary The Third Man, he creates a spellbinding world in The Living Room, full of suspense and frustrated desire. Greene’s highly filmic novels include Brighton Rock, The End of the Affair, and The Heart of the Matter – all ideal preparation for writing his debut play.
5. An acclaimed company and theatre
Primavera’s productions under their director Tom Littler have been widely praised. In 2009, Saturday Night transferred to the West End on the back of rave reviews, and recently the Evening Standard said: ‘Tom Littler and his ambitious production company Primavera are names to follow.’ The pocket-sized powerhouse of Jermyn Street Theatre was last year named the Stage’s Best Fringe Theatre 2012.
