A tender and intelligent play about life in the theatre

The Dresser by Academy Award-winning author Ronald Harwood recounts the events of an evening in a provincial theatre during World War II.

As the sirens wail and the bombs fall, a troupe of actors prepare for a performance of Shakespeare’s King Lear.

However, the once-famous lead actor, “Sir”, is refusing to assume his role; so it is up to his devoted dresser to inspire the ageing actor and thereby save the show, and Sir, from disaster.

Hailed for its humour, tenderness and intelligence, and widely considered to be

Harwood at his best, The Dresser is a seminal play about life in the theatre and a poignant look at two grudgingly co-dependent men.

The play was nominated for Olivier and Tony Awards and adapted for the small and big screens – the 1983 film adaptation receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay.

This production is directed by Peter Mould.

It runs from Friday to Saturday 12 November at 7.30pm, and Sunday 6 November at 3pm. Tickets: adults £13, under-18s and groups £10 · members £8 · £2 off first night tickets.

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