The Dresser

This show has now closed, click here for a listing of current and future London shows

Play Opened 28 February 2005, Closed 14 May 2005

Duke of York's Theatre St Martin's Lane, London

A major revival of Ronald Harwood's classic comedy-drama The Dresser directed by Sir Peter Hall.

"A virtuoso performance from Nicholas Lyndhurst... A joy to watch" The Sunday Telegraph

In a war-torn provincial theatre Ageing actor-manager, 'Sir', is struggling to keep a grip on his sanity and complete his two hundred and twenty-seventh performance of Shakespeare's King Lear. Thanks to the efforts of Hitler, all the able-bodied actors are in uniform and across the country bombs are destroying theatres, but the show must go on. Ensuring that it does is Norman, Sir’s devoted dresser, who for sixteen years has been there to fix his wig, massage his ego, remind him of his opening lines and provide the sound effects in the storm scene.

Ronald Harwood's The Dresser is inspired by the memories of his years working as Donald Wolfit’s dresser. The Dresser presents an evocative, perceptive and hilarious portrait of backstage life and is one of the most acclaimed dramas of the modern theatre.

The Dresser was made into an award-winning film starring Tom Courtenay and Albert Finney.

This major revival, which comes into London's West following a regional tour, is directed by Sir Peter Hall and stars Nicholas Lyndhurst (TV's Only Fools and Horses, Goodnight Sweetheart and Butterflies) as 'Norman' and the distinguished stage actor Julian Glover as 'Sir'.

"A glorious play, gloriously performed" The Daily Telegraph

"A vintage backstage drama... the entire production is a pleasure" The Financial Times

"Peter Hall's perfectly pitched production" The Guardian