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    I can only report that Henry confirms he is an actor of massive presence and emotional power.
    The Guardian
    Fences is dense and unsettling
    The Evening Standard

Fences Tickets

Duchess Theatre

Following in the footsteps of James Earl Jones and Denzel Washington, Lenny Henry stars as Troy Maxson, a would-be sports star, in August Wilson’s poignant play Fences. Originally premiering in 1987 and revived again in 2010, Fences is a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning production, taking on topical issues such as race, family and mislaid opportunities, opening at London’s Duchess Theatre for a limited time only.

After a triumphant return to the stage in Othello, Lenny Henry takes on the leading role in August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play Fences. Considered to be one of the 20th century’s most poignant dramas, Fences is the touching story about a man robbed of his dreams. Originally premiering on Broadway in 1987, the play scooped four Tony Awards, including Best Play, with its 2010 Broadway revival garnering a further three.

Set in 1950’s Pittsburgh between the Korean and Vietnam wars, race relations are gradually evolving across America. Following Troy Maxson, a middle-aged man who has spent his life working as a bin man to provide for his family, we discover that he was once a talented athlete who was denied his chance due the colour of his skin. Resentful of a life he believes he was denied, Troy takes his anger out on his loyal wife and sports-obsessed son by building a fence that will keep his family in and the outside world out.

Stage and screen legend Lenny Henry stars as Troy in his first appearance since his acclaimed performance as Othello. Further stage credits include Comedy of Errors at the National Theatre. He is joined by Tanya Moodie (Sherlock), Colin McFarlane, Peter Bankole and Ashley Zhangazha. Fences originally starred James Earl Jones and Mary Alice and was revived in 2010 starring Denzel Washington and Viola Davis.

Directed by Paulette Randall, Fences features design by Libby Watson, lighting design by Johanna Town, sound design by Al Ashford and musical direction from Delroy Murray. A pertinent exploration into race, family and opportunity, Fences is the poignant 20th century drama that remains relevant to this day. Starring Lenny Henry, Fences opens at London’s Duchess Theatre for a limited season until September 2013.

Sorry this show closed 14 September 2013, we recommend these similar productions.

Performance dates:
19 Jun 2013 - 14 Sep 2013
Running time:
2 hours and 40 minutes.
Age recommendation:
TBC
Audience Notes:
Fences is not suitable for young children due to themes of strong language and violence. Those who enjoy hard-hitting dramas will enjoy this topical play.
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