Star

Set in September 1747, as a wave of Garrick Fever hits London for the opening of the Drury Lane Theatre under the actor’s management. With the reputation of the theatre at an all-time low, Garrick sets out to make himself rich and his profession acceptable. With a prologue to the new season written by Samuel Johnson, Garrick promises to throw new light on elocution and action, banish ranting and bombast and to restore simplicity and humour to the British Stage. He also casts his keen eye towards dramatic special effects. But his spirits are uncomposed and every circumstance about him in a perfect dilemma; it’s three hours before curtain-up and Peg Woffington is arguing the epilogue and he’s quarrelled with Macklin, the season’s opener. It’ll be alright on the night, won’t it?

Iriving Studio