Funnier than The Iceman Cometh, more chaos than Richard III, and without all the stupid, so-called ‘poetry’.
Money, sex, power, you only need one of them to see Bitter Wheat – at the Garrick.
The multi award-winning John Malkovich returns to the West End stage after nearly 30 years to play Barney Fein, a top dog Hollywood producer in Bitter Wheat, a new play by the legendary author, director and playwright David Mamet.
Bitter Wheat is booking from 7 June 2019 until 21September 2019 at the Garrick Theatre, London.
WHAT’S THE STORY?
Hollywood is a hell hole.
Everything in Hollywood is for sale except the awards, which are for rent.
Bitter Wheat is a play about a depraved Hollywood mogul. It rips the pashmina off the suppurating wound which is show business, and leaves us better human beings, and fitter to once more confront the horror of life.
Our hero, Barney Fein, is a bloated monster- a studio head, who, like his predecessor, the minotaur, devours the young he has lured to his cave.
His fall from power to shame is a mythic journey which has been compared to The Odyssey by people who claim to have read that book.
WHO’S IN IT? BITTER WHEAT CAST
John Malkovich, one of the world’s most revered actors, is best known for his many films including Dangerous Liaisons, Being John Malkovich, Con Air and Mulholland Drive. He recently received widespread critical acclaim playing Hercule Poirot in a new BBC TV Agatha Christie adaptation.
Doon Mackichan, who is well known for her extensive TV work which includes creating and starring in the hit comedy series Smack the Pony for Channel 4, Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge, Plebs for ITV2 and Two Doors Down for the BBC, will play Barney Fein’s assistant, Sondra.
Ioanna Kimbook will make her debut theatre performance in Bitter Wheat as Yung Kim Li.
CREATIVE TEAM
Written and directed by David Mamet, with Set & Costume Design by Christopher Oram and Lighting by Neil Austin.
REVIEWS
★★★★★ ’Skin-crawlingly magnificent. I was absolutely riveted to my seat. Mail On Sunday
★★★★ ‘Malkovich is rightly revolting in Mamet’s furious take on Hollywood’ The Sunday Times
‘I could have watched this captivating freak-show until midnight and beyond’ The Spectator
Additional Information
Mask
You are required to wear a mask at all times while inside this venue.
Social distancing
You are required to keep distance from other audience members and the venue’s staff while inside this venue.
Covid safety
This venue has additional Covid-19 safety measures in place to ensure the health and well-being of the staff, performers, and guests. This venue is complying with the latest industry 'See It Safely' guidelines.
Venue Information
Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0HHNearest Tube or Train: Charing Cross (Northern line, Bakerloo line), Embankment (Northern line, Bakerloo line, District line, Circle line), Leicester Square (Northern line, Piccadilly line)
Nearest Buses: 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 24, 29, 30
Directions:
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