News: Dates confirmed for Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly in UK tour of The Dresser

Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Everyman Theatre Cheltenham have confirmed new tour dates for Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly in Ronald Harwood’s The Dresser. The acclaimed drama is set to commence performances at the Theatre Royal Bath from 9 September, before embarking on a UK tour.

The production will visit Cheltenham Everyman Theatre, Theatre Royal Brighton, Norwich Theatre Royal, Cambridge Arts Theatre, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Richmond Theatre and Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, with further tour dates to be announced.

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 regarded as one of the most acclaimed dramas of modern theatre.

It is 1942 and in a war-torn provincial theatre an aging actor-manager, known to his loyal acting company as ‘Sir’, is struggling to cling on to his sanity and complete his 227th performance of King Lear.

For 16 years Norman, Sir’s devoted dresser, 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. It is down to Norman to ensure that in spite of everything, the show goes on.

The show will star celebrated entertainer Julian Clary, whose credits include The London Palladium pantomimes, plus Taboo and Cabaret in the West End.

Matthew Kelly is an Olivier Award-winning actor who starred in Big the Musical in the West End, plus Waiting For Godot with Ian McKellen and Roger Rees.

The Dresser will be directed by Olivier Award-winning dramatist and director Terry Johnson.

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