The Sunshine Boys
by Neil Simon
Tuesday 1st December - Saturday 5th December
Tuesday 8th December - Saturday 12th December 2009
Performances start 19:45
I don't think I need say anything about award winning American playwright Neil Simon; his catalogue of plays and film scripts are legendary and his style unique. I have been a fan for many years, ever since I directed my first play at the Arch, his "Barefoot in the Park" back in the early 70's. "Sunshine Boys" is typical Simon and I believe it to be one of his best, full of wit, moments of high comedy and cracking one liners all mixed with an underlying pathos; a heady combination.
The story concerns the famous vaudeville team of Al Lewis & Willie Clark, otherwise known as "The Sunshine Boys" who couldn't stand each other, despite having worked together for 43 years. More importantly, they haven't talked since Lewis walked out on the team's final show 11 years ago leaving Clark to soldier on regardless. The attempt by Willie's nephew, Ben, to get the obstinate duo back together one last time for a CBS "history of comedy" special produces "one of the great comedies by one of the great comic writers".
I have assembled a great cast to bring this terrific comedy to life; Tom Haddon as Willie and Will Fenton as Al are my "Sunshine Boys", ably supported by Matt Horan as nephew Ben. Carol Greig, Jo Ord, and Clive Greig are among the supporting cast and all are under the watchful eye of my stage manager, Neil Carter. A wonderful set design by Neil Hunt and lighting and sound design by Alex Gibson completes the picture.
This is the perfect play to put you in the mood for Christmas and as is traditional with our December production, mulled wine, sausage rolls and mince pies will be available in the interval!
I look forward to greeting you during the run.
