The Real Thing
when it was first seen, few would have guessed that this play would turn out to be amongst Tom Stoppard's most durable
The Guardian
Why see The Real Thing?
Real Thing Revival
James McArdle and Bel Powley star in a highly anticipated London revival of Tom Stoppard's play The Real Thing, headed up by Life of Pi director Max Webster! The Tony Award-winning play takes a dark and honest look at human relationships and the nature of fidelity and love, cleverly lightening the mood set by its more serious content with delightfully witty moments. Running from August to October, the production's return to the Old Vic comes a decade after a much lauded Broadway revival featuring Ewan MacGregor and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
WHAT IS THE REAL THING ABOUT?
The Real Thing tells the story of a playwright named Henry who finds that life begins to imitate art a little too accurately. Henry is not so happily married to the lead actress, Charlotte, of his play which is about a marriage on the verge of collapse. When his real-life affair with their close friend Annie threatens to derail their marriage - and all three of their lives - completely, he begins to question whether or not what they have is actually real love or not.
Cast
- James McArdle as Henry
- Bel Powley as Annie
- Susan Wokoma as Charlotte
- Oliver Johnstone as Max
- Jack Ambrose as Brodie
- Rilwan Abiola Owokoniran as Billy
- Karise Yansen as Debbie
Creative
- Jessica Ronane - Casting
- Peter McKintosh - Set and Costumes
- Richard Howell - Lighting
- Alexandra Faye Braithwaite - Sound
- Chi-San Howard - Movement
- Charlie Hughes-D’Aeth - Voice
- Ingrid Mackinnon - Intimacy
- Lilac Yosiphon - Baylis - Assistant Director
- Poppy Hall - Costume Supervisor
- Carole Hancock - Wigs, Hair and Make-up Supervisor
- Jamie Owens - Props Supervisor
Reviews
Customer reviews
Catherine
Exceptional writting and performances
Great set which works very well to frame the scenes. Exceptional acting and a very sharp script. Enjoyed every minute, did not disapoint! ... Read more
Paul Godwin
Astonishingly Good
From the moment I took my seat at the rear of the
stalls I knew we were in for a treat. A fantastic
set, using the available space to give the
impression of a screen viewed from the sofa. And
then unfolded the play within a play, the
questioning of truth and reality in art, music,
writing, experience and love. Performances that
shone, especially from the four principals. So how
can an astonishingly good production only get 4.5
stars? Simply because the play lapses a little
after the interval and momentum needs to be
regenerated. But boy do they manage it. This is a
play to die for. What is reality? Quite honestly,
who really cares when we have Stoppard to do the
questioning for us and who is prepared to let his
share his musings. Brilliant production, As fresh
as it ever was. Go see. ... Read more
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