La Cage Aux Folles - Playhouse Theatre

SYNOPSIS

La Cage Aux Folles

The Playhouse Theatre on Northumberland Avenue in London's West End is the venue for the revival of the classic French play - La Cage Aux Folles. It runs at the Playhouse from October 20th, 2008, a transfer from the Menier Chocolate Factory where it was staged earlier in the year, and includes actors Douglas Hodge and Denis Lawson in the cast. Theatre ticket bookings are available through to January 2009.

On the French Riviera

The London revival of La Cage Aux Folles is based on the 1983 musical by Jerry Herman, which itself was adapted from the 1973 French play of the same name by Jean Poiret, and its subsequent foreign language movie release in 1978. The movie adaptation is still among the highest grossing foreign language films to ever be released in the United States!

La Cage Aux Folles is classic situation comedy with a twist. The central characters in the story are Georges - a gay nightclub owner in the exclusive St Tropez area of Southern France; and Albin - the drag entertainer and star attraction of the nightclub. Their relationship is a successful one…until Georges son one day announces his engagement to the daughter of an ultra-conservative right wing politician who is intent on closing down the 'colourful' nightlife in the town, of which Georges' bar is a part of!

In true situation comedy style the prospective in-laws arrange to meet, leaving Georges and Albin the task of covering up their alternative lifestyle for the sake of appearances and the happiness of Georges' son. A story about principles, family values and unconditional love, no matter what the situation, La Cage Aux Folles will capture your heart.

The Cast

At the Playhouse Theatre in the West End Georges' is played by Denis Lawson, while Douglas Hodge reprises his role as Albin from the Menier Chocolate Factory run.

Denis Lawson is well known to British TV and theatre audiences. The Scottish actor has starred in numerous films and TV productions. Included among his film acting credits is the character Wedge Antilles in the original Star Wars films and prominent roles in Local Hero (1983) and Dolls (2006). For TV he has appeared in Bleak House (2005) and Jekyll (2007).

Douglas Hodge, who plays Albin in La Cage Aux Folles, is another highly recognisable face on British TV screens. His many roles have seen him appear in shows such as Doctor Who, Red Caps and Spooks. On stage Douglas Hodge made his West End debut in Guys and Dolls, starring alongside Scottish actor Ewan McGregor.

Creative Team for La Cage Aux Folles

Terry Johnson takes on the direction of La Cage Aux Folles at the Playhouse Theatre. Choreography is by Lynne Page, while Tim Shortall is set designer. The production owes much to the original 1983 musical by Jerry Herman, who wrote the music and lyrics for the show, and to Harvey Fierstein who wrote the book.

The production team behind the musical is a collaboration between Chocolate Factory Productions, Sonia Friedman Productions and David Ian Productions.