It is 1942 and in a war-torn provincial theatre an ageing actor manager, known to his loyal acting company as ‘Sir’, is struggling to cling on to his sanity and complete his two hundred and twenty seventh performance of King Lear.
Inspired by memories of working as Donald Wolfit’s dresser as a young man, Ronald Harwood’s evocative, affectionate and hilarious portrait of backstage life is one of the most acclaimed dramas of modern theatre.
Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ
2 hours 20 minutes incl. interval
Tue and Fri at 19:30
Wed, Thu and Sat at 14:30 and 19:30
It is down to Norman, Sir’s devoted dresser, to ensure that in spite of everything, the show goes on. For sixteen years Norman has been there to fix Sir's wig, massage his ego, remind him of his opening lines and provide the sound effects in the storm scene.
Norman will be played by one of the UK's most unique and best loved entertainers. Julian Clary's successes include television, radio, films, writing and stand-up comedy, which he has performed all over the world. His West End starring roles range from London Palladium pantomimes to Taboo.
Playing 'Sir' will be Matthew Kelly, winner of an Olivier Award for Of Mice and Men. His other West End credits include Waiting For Godot with Ian McKellen, Comedians and Troilus and Cressida. His many television credits include the award-winning thriller Cold Blood, Benidorm, Bleak House and Moving On.
Ronald Harwood’s plays include Taking Sides, Equally Divided and Quartet. His screenplay for the film of The Dresser, received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Screenplay. He won an Academy Award for The Pianist.
Terry Johnson is the recipient of a dozen major theatre awards. His directing credits in Bath include Mrs. Henderson Presents, Hysteria and The Libertine.
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Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ
Richmond (District Line), Overground (SW Trains)
The Box Office is open for 90 minutes prior to the performance commencing. Please note we will not be open on days we do not have any performances. See the ‘What’s On’ section for performance times.
Bar - Pre-show & interval drinks and snacks
Ambassador Lounge - Pre-show & interval table service (Charge applies)
One of the oldest surviving theatres designed by iconic architect Frank Matcham, Richmond Theatre has sat in the heart of the local community since 1899.
The beautiful Grade II-listed venue presents a wide range of quality shows, from pre- and post-West End Drama to record-breaking musicals, opera, dance and family entertainment.
The theatre is also a popular filming location, having been used for film and TV including Finding Neverland, Bugsy Malone, Killing Eve and Ted Lasso.
Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond, TW9 1QJ
2 hours 20 minutes incl. interval
Tue and Fri at 19:30
Wed, Thu and Sat at 14:30 and 19:30
Join ATG+, the UK's best live entertainment membership
With an ATG+ membership, you can enjoy a host of exclusive benefits across 35+ ATG venues
Better access to tickets via priority booking and ringfenced seats
No transaction fees
Flexible tickets
25% off drinks at the bar at our members' happy hours (10% in Scotland)
Dedicated phone line, partner offers
Exclusive member events
Join today