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Catherine Street, London WC2B 5LA

Bakersfield Mist

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Closed August 9, 2014

Kathleen Turner returns to the London stage for the UK premiere of this hit comedy

Why See Bakersfield Mist?

PlaysComedy TheatreStars on Stage

KATHLEEN TURNER RETURNS TO THE WEST END IN HER THIRD STARRING ROLE!

Polly Teale directs Stephen Sach's delightful two-hander comedy of manners, which is reportedly based on a true story. Starring the husky-voiced Kathleen Turner, whose previous West End appearances include starring roles in The Graduate and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, she is joined by veteran thespian Ian McDairmid, best known for his role as the villainous Darth Sidious/Palpatine in the Star Wars film anthology.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

When down-at-heel Maude finds a painting that could be an original Jackson Pollack, her dreams of fame and fortune might very well come true. Convinced of the work's authenticity, she contacts eminent art expert Lionel Percy in New York City to come and inspect the painting for authenticity.

Flying down to Maude's super modest trailer park home in Bakersfield, CA, the snooty, self-important Percy is less than impressed with the boozy, common Maude, and even more importantly, the hotly debated painting. What ensues next is a sharp-witted battle of wills between the WASPish Percy and Maude - who clash in their differing opinions of what "real art" is. As Maude claims that she has been approached with an offer by foreign investors for $2m for the painting, she is convinced further that the painting must be genuine, despite Percy's assurances to the contrary.

When Percy, fatigued and bemused with Maude's insistence recommends that she take the money and be done with the painting, she refuses to be browbeaten by this snobbish stranger. Percy in turn cruelly rebukes her lowly background and surroundings, saying that neither she or the painting would be accepted in polite New York society.

Audiences will see their sympathies waiver between the two stubborn-headed leads, sharing in his frustrations and her dreams of a luckier life.

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Additional Information

Dates

Previews from: 10 May 2014

Opening night: 27 May 2014

Audience

Bakersfield Mist is suitable for audiences aged 12 and upwards

Run time

One hour 40 minutes with no interval

MASKS

You may be required to wear a mask during this performance. Please contact the venue directly for more information.

Cast and Creative

Cast

Kathleen Turner as Maude
Ian McDiarmid as Lionel Percy

Creative

Written by Stephen Sachs
Directed by Polly Teale
Sound by Jon Nichols
Lighting by Oliver Fenwick
Set and Costumes by Tom Piper

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