Bill Kenwright, Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Group and John Reid present
Plague Over England by Nicholas De Jongh
“Enthralling… outstanding… ambitious… bravo!” Charles Spencer, Daily Telegraph.
21 October 1953. The recently knighted Sir John Gielgud, poised to return to the West End in a new play, is arrested in a public lavatory on charges of importuning for immoral purposes. As news of his conviction is splashed across the national press - at a time when judges, politicians and doctors were describing homosexuality in terms of a cancer, an epidemic and a threat to national life - Gielgud faces personal and professional ruin. Then something extraordinary happens.
PLAGUE OVER ENGLAND offers a fascinating insight into the dramatic changes in social attitudes to gay life in the last fifty years. The play received excellent reviews when it was previewed at The Finborough Theatre last year. Now a new production once again directed by Tamara Harvey arrives in the West End for a limited season at The Duchess Theatre from 11 Feb to 16 May.
The Guardian ****
The Times ****
Designer - Alex Marker
Costume Designer - Trish Wilkinson
Lighting Designer - James Farncombe
Sound Designer - Colin Pink