SeatPlan Logo
Privates On Parade hero image
Privates On Parade hero image
Privates On Parade hero image
    "Parody, political intrigue and period charm: this was more than just the sum of its Privates."
    The Evening Standard
    "Always good to see a bit more of Simon Russell Beale, even if that bit is a flash of beefy thigh above fishnets..."
    The Sunday Times

Privates On Parade Tickets

Noel Coward Theatre

Michael Grandage directs Simon Russell Beale in Peter Nichols’ hilarious award-winning comedy Privates on Parade. When Private Steven Flowers is posted to the Song and Dance Unit in South East Asia, he soon learns under the leadership of Captain Terri Dennis that there may be more to being a man than just a uniform. Opening at the Noel Coward Theatre as the first in a series of Grandage-directed productions, Privates on Parade is not to be missed!

Simon Russell Beale plays the cross-dressing Captain Dennis in Peter Nichols’ award-winning comedy Privates on Parade. Kicking off Michael Grandage’s five-show residency at the Noel Coward Theatre, Privates on Parade is the riotously fun play set during the end of the Second World War. Originally premiering in 1978, the play became an international hit, and now opens at the Noel Coward for a run beginning in December.

When Private Steven Flowers is posted to the Song and Dance Unit in South East Asia, he is not quite sure what to expect. But as he serves under the flamboyant Captain Terri Dennis, he begins to discover that it might take more than just a uniform to become a real man. Set against the murderous backdrop of the fierce Malaysian campaign at the end of World War Two, Privates on Parade deals with the serious side of sexual and racial politics.

Well-known for his performances as Marlene Dietrich, Vera Lynn and Carmen Miranda, Simon Russell Beale plays Captain Dennis. Russell Beale’s extensive credits include Spamalot and Candide, as well as countless Shakespeare plays. He has also enjoyed a hugely successful screen career, starring in The Hollow Crown, Spooks and My Week with Marilyn. Further casting includes Chris Chan as Lee, Harry Hepple as Lance Corporal Charles Bishop, Mark Lewis Jones as Sergeant-Major Reg Drummond, John Marquez as Corporal Len Bonny, Brodie Ross as Leading Aircraftman Eric Young-Love, Sam Swainsbury as Flight-Sergeant Kevin Cartwright, Joseph Timms as Private Steven Flowers, Sadao Ueda as Cheng and Angus Wright as Major Giles Flack.

Written by Peter Nichols, Privates on Parade is legendary director Michael Grandage’s first play in an upcoming season of five at the Noel Coward. Privates on Parade features design by Christopher Oram, lighting design by Paule Constable, sound design by Nick Lidster and Terry Jardine (for Autograph), music by Denis King and choreography by Ben Wright. A ridiculously hilarious performance from Russell Beale, this play is simply not to be missed!

Sorry this show closed 02 March 2013, we recommend these similar productions.

Player Kings
The Mousetrap
Performance dates:
01 Dec 2012 - 02 Mar 2013
Running time:
2 hours and 30 minutes.
Audience Notes:
Fans of Simon Russell Beale will enjoy seeing him flaunt his flamboyant side in this production. Privates on Parade is perfect for anyone looking for a good giggle!
Categories:
Your basket is empty.