Enjoy

Enjoy

Enjoy

When the Economic and Social Research Council recently announced an ambitious study, Understanding Society, which will be a social study of 40,000 UK households, Alan Bennett’s comedy Enjoy was given a sudden topicality. Christopher Luscombe’s revival of the play is to transfer to the Gielgud Theatre in February 2009. The production, which has just run in the Theatre Royal Bath as one of the highlights in Sir Peter Hall’s summer season, has been highly acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. Having famously been a theatrical flop when the show first premiered in 1980, the show has had a completely different reception this time around. Paul Taylor from The Independent describes the show as a “hugely entertaining revival” which “will firmly establish (Enjoy) as one of Bennett’s wittiest and most discomforting plays”.

Set in Bennett’s home town of Leeds, Enjoy follows the story of an ageing couple with juxtaposing views on their house. Connie, portrayed by Alison Steadman, is extremely proud of her house, especially as she has lived there all her married life. On the other hand, her husband (who is disabled following a hit-and-run accident), portrayed by David Troughton, has a contrasting view and is in anticipation as to when the bulldozer will arrive to knock down the old house. Their lives are turned upside down when a sociologist named Ms Craig arrives to conduct a social experiment, in which their everyday behaviour will be monitored and analysed. However, Ms Craig isn’t all she (or he) claims to be!

Christopher Luscombe is most famous for his direction work for the Royal Shakespeare Company where he directed The Shakespeare Revue for a worldwide tour. Olivier-award winning actress Steadman has performed in theatres across the West End, including the Old Vic and the Hampstead theatre. After a role in the BBC drama The Worst Week of My Life, she has recently been seen on television screens in the BAFTA award winning Gavin and Stacey. Steadman’s co-star is son of the second Doctor Who, Patrick Troughton. David Troughton has followed in his father’s footsteps and recently appeared in an episode of Doctor Who. However, Troughton is best known for his Shakespearian roles including King Richard in Richard III and Bolingbroke in Richard II, both RSC productions. Steadman and Troughton are supported by Richard Glaves, portraying the sexually ambiguous Ms Craig.

Enjoy will have a limited 14-week run at the Gielgud Theatre from February 2nd 2009.