Two men sit in a dressing room. One is in a robe, another sits behind with hands on his shoulders

THE DRESSER

by Ronald Harwood
Tue 12 - Sat 16 October 2021
Tickets £20-£45 *

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Inspired by memories of working as Donald Wolfit’s dresser as a young man, Ronald Harwood’s evocative, affectionate, and hilarious portrait of backstage life is one of the most acclaimed dramas of modern theatre. 

It is 1942 and in a war-torn provincial theatre an ageing actor manager, known to his loyal acting company as ‘Sir’, is struggling to cling on to his sanity and complete his two hundred and twenty seventh performance of King Lear.

It’s down to Norman, Sir’s devoted dresser, to ensure that the show goes on. For sixteen years Norman has been there to fix Sir’s wig, massage his ego, remind him of his opening lines and provide the sound effects in the storm scene.

Norman will be played by one of the UK’s most unique and best loved entertainers. Julian Clary’s successes include television, radio, films, writing and stand-up comedy. His West End starring roles range from London Palladium pantomimes to Taboo.

Playing Sir will be Matthew Kelly, winner of an Olivier Award for Of Mice and Men. His other West End credits include Waiting for Godot with Ian McKellen, Comedians and Troilus and Cressida

Post-show talks
Running Time

Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes including an interval

General Guidance

Performance contains mild swearing and loud sound effects

Tickets

Tuesday - Saturday, 7.30pm
and Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday, 2.30pm: £20/£25/£35/£45 *

* All ticket prices include a £3 per ticket booking fee

Book now

Gallery

  • A man with a big beard is wearing a crown, he is crying and a man and a woman are comforting him
  • A man crosses his arms looking angry and upset, a man in an apron tries to comfort him
  • An actor sits in front of a dressing room table with lights around the mirror, a man in an apron listens to him talking
  • A man in a suit looks angry and dishevilled, a man in an apron is listening
  • A man in an apron is sitting in front of a backstage dressing room with lights around the mirror
  • A man in white with white hair and a long white beard holds a jester in his arms, he is shouting
  • A man in an apron hands a note tied up with string to a man in a suit

Videos

Inside rehearsals...

  • 'Riotously funny'

    DAILY EXPRESS
  • 'A hugely entertaining evening'

    SUNDAY TIMES
  • 'Poignant, funny and utterly authentic'

    MAIL ON SUNDAY