A sparkling comedy from the pen of Tom Stoppard comes to the Little Theatre in Chester this week.
The Real Thing is witty, genuinely moving and thought-provoking and sees Stoppard at the height of his powers
It can be seen at the Gloucester Street venue in Newtown from July 5-12.
Leanne Wheeler and James Roochove from Manleys Solicitors, who are sponsoring the play, went along to see how rehearsals were progressing.
Leanne said: “We are pleased to be sponsoring an excellent play and are really looking forward to seeing it.”
The play explores married love and how it can so easily be put at risk by infidelity. Written at a time when his first marriage was ending, if Stoppard has written an autobiographical play then this is it.
Henry is a brilliant and celebrated playwright. With his wife Charlotte in the starring role, his new play House of Cards examines the intrigues of love and infidelity.
We first meet Henry trying to select his Desert Island Discs for his imminent appearance on the radio show.
But reality and fiction blur – both for Henry and the audience - when passions ignite and he falls in love with Annie, wife of his leading actor, Max. Annie leaves Max for Henry and soon we encounter them in their new-found domestic bliss.
The first cracks begin to appear in their relationship when Annie becomes preoccupied with political causes – in particular with a young would-be playwright, wrongly imprisoned according to Annie - and with her young co-star in the play she is rehearsing. Henry wonders if their relationship is entirely professional.
As well as keeping the audience entertained with its fun and brilliant word-play, The Real Thing is not afraid to provide a deeper emotional level of involvement.
Showing on July 5 and from July 7-12 at 7.30pm at Chester Little Theatre, Gloucester Street, Chester. Tickets 8.50 and £7 concessions on first Saturday, Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Tickets available from TicketSource on 02920 713 200 or go to www.chestertheatreclub.co.uk to book online.
