Scandaltown Tickets
Mike Bartlett's latest play is a hilarious riff on restoration comedy, inspired by the post-pandemic age.
A hilarious contemporary Restoration comedy
Acclaimed playwright Mike Bartlett brings a brand new comedy to Lyric Hammersmith this year, inspired by the post-pandemic world. This modern interpretation of Restoration comedy celebrates the new reopening of theatres with a tale of illicit sex, fame-hungry elitism and the hypocrisy of those in power. In this hilarious but scathing tale, noble heroine Miss Phoebe Virtue travels to London Town to investigate and preserve the reputation of twin brother Jack, whose behaviour on Instagram is most worrisome… The world premiere of Scandaltown is directed by Lyric Hammersmith Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan and opens just before a West End revival of Bartlett's acclaimed play Cock, starring Taron Edgerton and Jonathan Bailey. Bartlett is also known for his hit TV thriller Doctor Foster and Shakespeare-inspired, satirical take on the modern monarchy, King Charles III. This anticipated production turns modern life and politics into an unmissable night of entertainment; book Scandaltown tickets to enjoy Mike Bartlett's latest triumph on stage.Performance dates:
13 May 2022 - 14 May 2022
Running time:
2 hours and 30 minutes including an interval.
Venue:
Age recommendation:
Best for age 16+
Categories:
I'd heard a bad report of this - but that was from someone who doesn't like Restoration comedies. Me, I absolutely loved it! The tone is exactly right, rather silly and very debauched, with even some of the appropriate language creeping in! (The excuI'd heard a bad report of this - but that was from someone who doesn't like Restoration comedies. Me, I absolutely loved it! The tone is exactly right, rather silly and very debauched, with even some of the appropriate language creeping in! (The excuse for the two young persons at the centre of the plot speaking in such an old-fashioned way is that they were raised by their aunt, who "wanted to raise them right"). It's hilarious - and wow, does it poke a pin in the inflated ego of some of today's sacred cows! Politics, TV, social media, "wokeness".. scathing dialogue combines with very topical plotlines. Covid shows up, appropriately, as the Plague - Tories having parties in the garden, anyone? The hapless politician, squirming and changing sides as he finds himself in bind after bind, turns to the audience at one point for support. Heh. In fact, there was a good bit of heckling, all taken in good spirit by the cast. Silly, cheeky, OTT.. Highly recommended! Read more