Booking to 28 October 2017
A Day by the Sea at Southwark Playhouse.
Tricia Thorns directs a revival of N.C Hunter’s long forgotten bittersweet drama at Southwark Playhouse.
N.C. Hunter the “English Chekhov” was swept aside, along with Coward and Rattigan, by the Angry Young Men in the 1950’s.
Coward and Rattigan are now often performed, and Hunter’s humane and intelligent comedies are long overdue for rediscovery.
This is a witty, tender and sensitive piece of theatre about mid-life frustrations and regrets in the shadow of two horrific wars. And although it’s from a bygone age of stiff upper lips and seaside picnics, its fundamental distrust of politicians will still resonate with today’s audiences.
A Day by the Sea will run from 4 October 2017 until 28 October 2017 at Southwark Playhouse
STORY
It is a fine day in May, 1953.
A work-obsessed diplomat based in Paris makes a rare visit to his mother, who lives at the beautiful family home in Dorset. He is disconcerted to find an old childhood friend also visiting with her children, her life now blighted by scandal. His mother, heartily sceptical about politicians meddling in foreign affairs, would like him to calm down and get married. A family picnic on the beach might be just the thing but even there a work colleague brings him news he had not expected to hear.
Do we always see the past through rose-tinted spectacles? If, after years dominated by his work, he can discover what really matters in life, can he get it? Can we? A Day by the Sea, hugely popular in its time, asks this very question.
CAST
The cast features David Acton, Alix Dunmore, David Gooderson, Hugh Sachs, John Sackville, Tatum Smith-Sperling, Jack Swift, Beatrix Taylor, George Taylor, Susan Tracy, David Whitworth and Stephanie Willson.
Completing the cast is Cassandra McCowan, Matthew McDonald, Louise Olley, Benjamin Purkiss, Jacqueline Tate, Samuel Thomas, Leah West and Matthew Woodyatt.
CREATIVE
Directed by Tricia Thorns with set design by Alex Marker, constume design by Emily Stuart, lighting design by Neill Brinkworth and sound design by Candice Weaver.
Show Information
Venue Information
Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BDNearest Tube or Train: Elephant & Castle (Bakerloo line, Northern line)
Nearest Buses: 35, 40, 133, 136, 333, 343, C10, N35, N133, N343
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