Comedy Theatre to be renamed in honour of Harold Pinter
September 7, 2011
Major theatre owner Ambassador Theatre Group has announced that it will rename one of its London playhouses in honour of playwright, screen writer and director Harold Pinter, who died in 2008.
Harold Pinter
The Comedy Theatre on Panton Street, which opened in 1881 as the Royal Comedy Theatre, will be called The Harold Pinter Theatre from 13 October 2011. Its first production will be a revival of Death and the Maiden starring Thandie Newton.
The renaming of a London theatre after a theatre professional follows theatre owner Cameron Mackintosh’s decision in the 90′s and 2000′s to rename the Albery, Strand and the Globe theatres after Noel Coward, Ivor Novello and John Gielgud respectively.
The Comedy Theatre, which was designed by Thomas Verity and built by J. H. Addison, has a long association with Pinter and has been home to seven Pinter productions in the last 21 years including The Homecoming, No Man’s Land, Moonlight, The Hothouse, The Caretaker with Michael Gambon, The Lover The Collection starring Gina McKee, and most recently Betrayal starring Kristin Scott Thomas. Pinter also directed at the venue, including Otherwise Engaged by Simon Gray, Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose and The Old Masters by Simon Gray.
The Comedy Theatre in London
The first show to open at the newly named Harold Pinter Theatre, on 13 October, will be Death and The Maiden by Ariel Dorfman starring Thandie Newton.
Ambassador Theatre Groups ’s Joint Chief Executive and Creative Director Howard Panter said that, “the re-naming of one of our most successful West End theatres is a fitting tribute to a man who made such a mark on British theatre who, over his 50 year career, became recognised as one of the most influential modern British dramatists.”
Harold Pinter wrote 32 plays, 22 screenplays and directed 36 theatre productions throughout his long career. He received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2005.
LINKS
Betrayal starring Kristin Scott-Thomas – Round-up of Reviews
June 17, 2011
A round-up of reviews of Betrayal at the Comedy Theatre starring Kristin Scott-Thomas.
Kristin Scott-Thomas and Ben Miles in Betrayal
Ian Rickson’s new production of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal stars Kristin Scott Thomas, Douglas Henshall and Ben Miles, at the Comedy Theatre until 20 August 2011.
Over a period of nine years, Pinter’s play shows the high price of passion and the damage inflicted by desire, exploring how our loves and our losses echo and accumulate through time.
See a round-up of Betrayal reviews, below.
LINKS
SPECIAL OFFER: Book tickets to Betrayal at the Comedy Theatre in London
KRISTIN SCOTT THOMAS in Betrayal
June 6, 2011
Hollywood star Kristin Scott Thomas returns to the West End in Harold Pinter’s Betrayal.
Kristin Scott Thomas was last on the London stage playing Arkadina in Ian Rickson’s celebrated production of The Seagull at the Royal Court Theatre. She won the 2008 Olivier Award for Best Actress, reprising the role on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theater the following year, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions.
Her other theatre credits include Jonathan Kent’s production of As You Desire Me and Michael Blakemore’s production of Three Sisters both for the Playhouse Theatre in London.
Scott Thomas’s extensive film credits include most recently Sous Ton Emprise, Une Femme Parfaite and Nowhere Boy as well as Easy Virtue, The Other Boleyn Girl, the multi-award winning Gosford Park, The Horse Whisperer, The English Patient, Mission Impossible, Angels & Insects, for which she won the Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Actress, and Four Weddings and a Funeral, for which she won a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a supporting role and the Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Actress.
She has just completed filming on Bel Ami and Salmon Fishing in Yemen, both due for release later this year. On television her credits include Gulliver’s Travels, Belle Epoque, Body and Soul, Weep No More My Lady and The Secret Life of Ian Fleming.
Kristin Scott Thomas joins Douglas Henshall and Ben Miles in the cast of Betrayal at the Comedy Theatre, in Ian Rickson’s new production of Harold Pinter’s play, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions.
Book tickets to Betrayal at the Comedy Theatre
Rehearsal Photos: Betrayal at the Comedy Theatre starring Kristin Scott Thomas
May 28, 2011
Ian Rickson’s new production of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal has started previewing at the Comedy Theatre in London.
Produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, the play stars Kristin Scott Thomas, Douglas Henshall and Ben Miles.
Written by Harold Pinter in 1978, the world premiere of Betrayal took place at the National Theatre, directed by Peter Hall with a cast comprising Daniel Massey, Michael Gambon and Penelope Wilton and went on to win the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play. In 1983 David Jones directed the Academy Award and BAFTA nominated film of Betrayal with Patricia Hodge, Jeremy Irons and Ben Kingsley.
Photos by Michael Birt.
LINKS
Betrayal cast information and news
Betrayal starring Kristin Scott Thomas – Special Offer Save £12.50 on tickets
May 26, 2011
Save £12.50 on tickets to see Betrayal starring Kristin Scott Thomas at the Comedy Theatre in London
Offer valid Friday matinees at 5.30pm
Kristin Scott Thomas stars in Betrayal
An all-star production of Harold Pinter’s 1978 play Betrayal comes to London’s Comedy Theatre this month.
Directed by Ian Rickson, the play stars Hollywood actress Kristin Scott Thomas, plus theatre and TV stars Douglas Henshall and Ben Miles. Betrayal runs from 27 May until 20 August 2011.
Set over a period of nine years, the play charts the high price of passion and the damage inflicted by desire, exploring how our loves and our losses echo and accumulate through time.
Kristin Scott Thomas was last on the London stage playing Arkadina in Ian Rickson’s celebrated production of The Seagull at the Royal Court Theatre. She won the 2008 Olivier Award for Best Actress, reprising the role on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theater the following year, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, who also produces this production of Betrayal.
Enjoy a special offer on the Friday early evening shows of Betrayal, which promises to be a truly thrilling night at the theatre.
LINKS
Offer valid Friday matinees at 5.30pm
First Look Photos: Betrayal at the Comedy Theatre starring Kristin Scott Thomas
May 13, 2011
Ian Rickson’s new production of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal opens at the Comedy Theatre on 27 May 2011, with an press night on 16 June.
Produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, the play stars Kristin Scott Thomas, Douglas Henshall and Ben Miles.
Written by Harold Pinter in 1978, the world premiere of Betrayal took place at the National Theatre, directed by Peter Hall with a cast comprising Daniel Massey, Michael Gambon and Penelope Wilton and went on to win the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play. In 1983 David Jones directed the Academy Award and BAFTA nominated film of Betrayal with Patricia Hodge, Jeremy Irons and Ben Kingsley.
Photos by Michael Birt.
LINKS
Betrayal cast information and news
BEN MILES in Betrayal
April 26, 2011
Coupling star Ben Miles joins Kristin Scott Thomas in Harold Pinter’s Betrayal.
Ben Miles was last on stage playing the Duke in Michael Attenborough’s production of Measure for Measure at the Almeida Theatre.
Previously his theatre credits included Tom in Matthew Warchus’ multi award-winning production of The Norman Conquests both at the Old Vic and on Broadway, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, My Child for the Royal Court, Bolingbroke in Richard II for the Old Vic, The Cherry Orchard, The London Cuckolds and Mary Stuart for the National Theatre and Two Gentlemen of Verona, Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Ben’s TV work includes leading roles in Coupling, Lark Rise to Candleford, Freezing and Sex, The City and Me all for the BBC, as well as roles in Cold Feet, Prime Suspect, Hustle, Sea of Souls and Trial and Retribution. His film credits include Speed Racer, V for Vendetta, The Affair of the Necklace and The Wings of a Dove.
Ben Miles joins Kristin Scott Thomas and Douglas Henshall in the cast of Betrayal at the Comedy Theatre, in Ian Rickson’s new production of Harold Pinter’s play, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions.
Book tickets to Betrayal at the Comedy Theatre
DOUGLAS HENSHALL in Betrayal
April 26, 2011
Primeval’s Douglas Henshall joins Kristin Scott Thomas in Harold Pinter’s Betrayal.
Douglas Henshall was last on stage playing Satan in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot at the Almeida Theatre.
His other theatre credits include The Cryptogram for the Donmar Warehouse, Death of a Salesman at the Lyric Theatre, The Crucible for Sheffield Theatres, The Coast of Utopia for the National Theatre and American Buffalo for the Young Vic.
On TV Douglas is best known for playing Nick Cutter in the long running ITV series Primeval. His other television credits include Joe Astell in South Riding, Jim in The Silence and Conan Doyle in The Strange Case of Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, all for the BBC, Alex Gansa in Lewis and D.I. John Tolin in Collision, both for ITV and Daniel Nash in Psychos for Channel 4. His many film credits include Dorian Gray, French Film, Flying Lessons, Dead Long Enough, Ripley Underground, It’s all About Love, The Lawless Heart, This Year’s Love, If Only, Fast Food, The Big Man and Angels and Insects in which he starred alongside Kristin Scott Thomas.
Douglas Henshall joins Kristin Scott Thomas and Ben Miles in the cast of Betrayal at the Comedy Theatre, in Ian Rickson’s new production of Harold Pinter’s play, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions.
Book tickets to Betrayal at the Comedy Theatre
Kristin Scott Thomas, Douglas Henshall And Ben Miles In Harold Pinter’s Betrayal Directed By Ian Rickson
April 5, 2011
Tickets go on sale today (5 April 2011) for Ian Rickson’s new production of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal starring Kristin Scott Thomas, Douglas Henshall and Ben Miles. Betrayal, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, will have its first preview at the Comedy Theatre on 27 May 2011 with press night on 16 June and is booking until 20 August 2011.
“I’ve always rather liked Jerry. To be honest, I’ve always liked him rather more than I’ve liked you. Maybe I should have had an affair with him myself.” Sometimes you’ll find there can be three people in a marriage…… Over a period of nine years, we are shown the high price of passion and the damage inflicted by desire. Harold Pinter’s play explores how our loves and our losses echo and accumulate through time.
Kristin Scott Thomas was last on stage playing Arkadina in Ian Rickson’s celebrated production of The Seagull at the Royal Court Theatre for which she won the 2008 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress, reprising the role on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theater the following year, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions. Her other theatre credits include Jonathan Kent’s production of As You Desire Me and Michael Blakemore’s production of Three Sisters both for the Playhouse Theatre in London. Her extensive film credits include most recently Sous Ton Emprise, Une Femme Parfaite and Nowhere Boy as well as Easy Virtue, The Other Boleyn Girl, the multi-award winning Gosford Park, The Horse Whisperer, The English Patient, Mission Impossible, Angels & Insects, for which she won the Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Actress, and Four Weddings and a Funeral, for which she won a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a supporting role and the Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Actress. She has just finished filming Bel Ami and Salmon Fishing in Yemen, both due for release later this year. On television her credits include Gulliver’s Travels, Belle Epoque, Body and Soul, Weep No More My Lady and The Secret Life of Ian Fleming.
Douglas Henshall was last on stage playing Satan in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot at the Almeida Theatre. His other theatre credits include The Cryptogram for the Donmar Warehouse, Death of a Salesman at the Lyric Theatre, The Crucible for Sheffield Theatres, The Coast of Utopia for the National Theatre and American Buffalo for the Young Vic. He is best known on television for playing Nick Cutter in the long running ITV series Primeval. His other extensive television credits include Joe Astell in South Riding, Jim in The Silence and Conan Doyle in The Strange Case of Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle, all for the BBC, Alex Gansa in Lewis and D.I. John Tolin in Collision, both for ITV and Daniel Nash in Psychos for Channel 4. His many film credits include Dorian Gray, French Film, Flying Lessons, Dead Long Enough, Ripley Underground, It’s all About Love, The Lawless Heart, This Year’s Love, If Only, Fast Food, The Big Man and Angels and Insects in which he starred alongside Kristin Scott Thomas.
Ben Miles was last on stage playing the Duke in Michael Attenborough’s production of Measure for Measure at the Almeida Theatre. Previously his theatre credits included Tom in Matthew Warchus’ multi award-winning production of The Norman Conquests both at the Old Vic and on Broadway, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, My Child for the Royal Court, Bolingbroke in Richard II for the Old Vic, The Cherry Orchard, The London Cuckolds and Mary Stuart for the National Theatre and Two Gentlemen of Verona, Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet for the Royal Shakespeare Company. His many television appearances include leading roles in Coupling, Lark Rise to Candleford, Freezing and Sex, The City and Me all for the BBC and Cold Feet for ITV as well as roles in Prime Suspect, Hustle, Sea of Souls and Trial and Retribution. His film credits include Speed Racer, V for Vendetta, The Affair of the Necklace and The Wings of a Dove.
Written by Harold Pinter in 1978, the world premiere of Betrayal took place at the National Theatre, directed by Peter Hall with a cast comprising Daniel Massey, Michael Gambon and Penelope Wilton and went on to win the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play. In 1983 David Jones directed the Academy Award and BAFTA nominated film of Betrayal with Patricia Hodge, Jeremy Irons and Ben Kingsley.
Born in 1930 in East London, playwright, screen writer, director, political activist and actor Harold Pinter wrote thirty-two plays, twenty-two screenplays and directed thirty-six theatre productions. He received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2005, and was awarded the Companion of Honour in 2002. His many awards include the Laurence Olivier Award and the Moliere D’Honneur for Lifetime Achievement, the European Theatre Award and the Legion d’Honneur. In October 2006 Pinter performed Samuel Beckett’s monologue Krapp’s Last Tape at the Royal Court Theatre, directed by Ian Rickson. Harold Pinter was married to Antonia Fraser, with whom he lived from 1975 until his death in 2008.
Ian Rickson most recently directed the critically acclaimed production of Lillian Hellman’s The Children’s Hour which continues its run at the Comedy Theatre until 7 May 2011. Rickson was Artistic Director of the Royal Court from 1998-2006 where his many productions included Krapp’s Last Tape which he also directed for BBC4, Fallout which he also directed as a film for Channel 4 and The Weir and Mojo both of which transferred to the West End and Broadway. He has directed Jez Butterworth’s The Winterling, The Night Heron, Mojo and Parlour Song as well as Jerusalem, which, following sell-out runs at the Royal Court and in the West End, will begin previews on Broadway on 2 April 2011 starring Mark Rylance. For the National Theatre he has directed The Hothouse and The Day I Stood Still.
Release issued by: Premier PR
LINKS
Book tickets to Betrayal starring Kristin Scott Thomas at the Comedy Theatre
Dominic West to take West End role
February 21, 2011
British actor Dominic West, star of HBO’s The Wire, is to return to the London stage this summer in a new production of Simon Gray’s 1970 play Butley.
Dominic West
West, who is about to star in new BBC drama The Hour penned by Abi Morgan, will take on the role of Butley, an alcoholic academic in the throes of a mid-life crisis. The role was originally played by Alan Bates, and starred Nathan Lane on Broadway in 2003.
Harold Pinter, who directed Bates in the first West End production in 1971, called the character of Butley “a remarkable creation” and said in his introduction to the Faber collection of Simon Gray’s plays that he “found its savage, lacerating wit hard to beat… The extraordinary thing about Butley, it still seems to me, is that the play gives us a character who hurls himself towards the destruction while living, in the fever of his intellectual hell, with a vitality and brilliance known to few of us.”
The play will be directed by Lindsay Posner and run at the Duchess Theatre from 1 June 2011. West will star alongside Paul McGann.
Chichester Festival Theatre’s musical production of Love Story is currently playing at the Duchess, with Tim Firth’s Sign of the Times following from 7 March starring Matthew Kelly and Gerard Kearns.
LINKS
Book tickets to Butley starring Dominic West at the Duchess Theatre
