If you haven’t started looking at the programme for this year’s Ventnor Fringe Festival you might want to get a move on, because they’ve just announced their first Sold Out show.
‘Macready! Dickens’ Theatrical Friend’
But fear not, there are still more than a hundred shows to choose from including Macready! Dickens’ Theatrical Friend.
This compelling new show – written and performed by Mark Stratford – tells the story of the great Victorian actor-manager, Macready – the man to whom Charles Dickens dedicated ‘Nicholas Nickleby.’
A journey through the fascinating world of Victorian theatre
A universal tale of love, devotion, ambition and sacrifice, it is one of the most remarkable ever to come out of the theatre.
With passion, humour, emotion, and an array of characters, Stratford takes us on a journey through the fascinating world of Victorian theatre and the extraordinary, yet conflicted life of Macready; from his first tentative steps on stage in a tatty country theatre to his final ever performance at the mighty Drury Lane!
And, as this year marks the 150th anniversary of Macready’s death, the production also pays a timely tribute to a theatrical pioneer who did so much to influence our theatre of today.
Where and when
Macready! Dickens’ Theatrical Friend plays for one performance only on Saturday 29th July at 5pm at Boniface Studio, St Catherine’s College, St Boniface Road, Ventnor, PO38 1PN
It last for 75 minutes and is suitable for age 12+.
Tickets are priced at £10 each, £5 for under 25s, or £25 for a family of four. You can get two for one if you are a Ventnor Exchange Culture / Unlimited Pass 2for1.
Book tickets via the Ventnor Fringe Website.
Reviews
“Stratford’s remarkable ability to tell Macready’s story and create characters brings it all to life” ★★★★ (Broadway Baby)
“A fascinating and insightful production” ★★★★ (LondonTheatre1)
“An entertaining, informative and impressive production… Stratford’s account of Macready’s life whizzes by in the company of one remarkable actor sharing the story of another” ★★★★ (Fairy Powered Productions)
“Mark Stratford has come up with a fascinating show which brings Macready to life” ★★★★ (ReviewsGate)
“A very master class in how to do a one-man play…a joyous tribute to the acting profession… Stratford’s warm, engaging personality shone through each of the many characters he portrayed” (The Cambridge Critique)
“An entertaining portrait…a timeless story of struggle, perseverance and sacrifice in making a living from one’s art” (British Theatre Guide)
“What a performance! Mark Stratford truly becomes Macready, he does not just act it” (Southwark News)
“The play shows us the many ups and downs of Macready’s career and it’s gripping to watch” (GScene)
Our thanks to Mark Stratford for sponsoring for this feature. They and other businesses and organisations taking paid promotion enables you to continue reading OnTheWight for free.
