Unfortunately, we don't have any information about upcoming performances of this show. Maybe we can interest you with something similar from the options below...
Closed November 12, 2016
Kenneth Branagh takes on Olivier's groundbreaking role
One of Britain's best acting exports makes his welcome return to the stage in John Osborne's gritty kitchen sink drama, which originally starred Sir Laurence Olivier in a shock move from the West End. Cleverly mirroring the decline of the jingoistic attitudes and decline of Empire against the crumbling facade of a seedy nude revue, the play seeks to explore the changing attitudes of the mid-Fifties, and how family tragedy casts a different pall on nationalistic belief.
A devastating and disarming portrait of an angry middle-aged man (a progression from the angry young man trope) we follow vaudeville hoofer Archie Rice who sees his once illustrious career reduced to playing in a seedy nude revue at the seaside in a ramshackle old music hall. At home, Archie's life is less than rosy; his son Mick is reporting missing whilst fighting in the Middle East in the Army, whilst his other son is languishing in jail after avoiding the draft. So is it any wonder why Archie's anger spills out in jingoistic songs, racist jokes and bitterness towards foreigners?
When news of Mick arrives at the family home, Archie is suddenly confronted with the truth that he must leave his old fashioned beliefs behind, otherwise be consumed by them. The travails of old-fashioned working class Archie Rice and his family was used as a metaphor by Osborne to comment on the decline of Empire and the struggles in the Middle East - an eerie echo of what is happening today.
Opening night: 20 August 2016
Suitable for ages 14+
Contains xenophobic language
To be confirmed by producers
You may be required to wear a mask during this performance. Please contact the venue directly for more information.
Kenneth Branagh as Archie Rice
Gawn Grainger as Billy Rice
Sophie McShera as Jean
Jonah Hauer-King as Frank
Greta Scacchi as Phoebe
Written by John Osborne
Directed by Rob Ashford
Seen The Entertainer? Loved it? Hated it?
Help your fellow London Theatreland visitors by leaving the first review!
Write a review nowSound good to you? Share this page on social media and let your friends know about The Entertainer at Garrick Theatre.
I want email news and updates for events in my area! Read how we protect your data.
Please note: The term Garrick Theatre and/or The Entertainer as well as all associated graphics, logos, and/or other trademarks, tradenames or copyrights are the property of the Garrick Theatre and/or The Entertainer and are used herein for factual descriptive purposes only. We are in no way associated with or authorized by the Garrick Theatre and/or The Entertainer and neither that entity nor any of its affiliates have licensed or endorsed us to sell tickets, goods and or services in conjunction with their events.