| 
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
ACCLAIMED actress Francesca Annis (pictured), will join
Joseph Fiennes in the cast of Epitaph for George Dillon
when it opens at the Comedy Theatre
on September 27, 2005.
She will play Ruth Gray, an attractive divorcee who lives with
her sister, Kate Elliot. The role means that she will be seduced
on stage by the younger brother of her real-life partner, Ralph
Fiennes.
Annis' career has spanned four decades. Her innumerable TV credits
include Madame Bovary, Lillie (in which she portrayed
Lillie Langtry), I'll Take Manhatten and Reckless.
While film work includes Roman Polanski's Macbeth, David
Lynch's Dune and the sci-fi classic, Krull.
Her most recent stage appearances were in The Vortex (Donmar
Warehouse) and Shoreditch Madonna (Soho Theatre).
Also joining the cast will be Geoffrey Hutchings whose most recent
West End appearance was opposite Sir Michael Gambon in Samuel
Beckett's Endgame. The ex-Archers cast member
also won an Olivier (Comedy Performance of the Year) for his role
in the RSC's Poppy.
Previously Posted: A new production of John
Osborne and Anthony Creighton's 1957 play Epitaph for
George Dillon, will open at the West End's Comedy Theatre
on September 27, 2005, with previews from September 20. It will
star Joseph Fiennes in the title role.
|
 |
Epitaph for George Dillon was
previously staged at the Comedy Theatre back in the 1950s - after
transferring, first from Oxford and then from London's Royal Court
Theatre. Later, it went on to New York where it received three
Tony Award nominations, including Best Play.
Written before Osborne's groundbreaking Look Back in Anger,
Epitaph for George Dillon is set in south London, home
to lower middle class family, the Elliots whose unhappy suburban
life changes when Kate 'adopts', as a surrogate for her own dead
son, the charismatic bohemian George Dillon - a penniless, aspiring
actor come writer.
Fiennes was last seen on the London stage two years ago, in Trevor
Nunn's farewell National Theatre production of Love's Labour's
Lost. He has also appeared in Real Classy Affair, Edward
II, The Woman in Black, A View from the Bridge, As You Like It,
The Herbal Bed and A Month in the Country.
He is though, probably best-known for his screen successes -
Shakespeare in Love, Elizabeth, Enemy at the Gates and
The Merchant of
Venice.
Epitaph for George Dillon will be directed by Peter
Gill who is himself, an accomplished dramatist. His plays include
Friendly Fire, Mean Tears, Small Change, Kick for Touch, Original
Sin and The York Realist.
He has also directed more than 80 productions, including
Days of Wine and Roses, Scenes from the Big Picture and Osborne's
Luther.
Actress Pam Ferris was to have starred with Fiennes in Epitaph
for George Dillon, but has withdrawn due to other commitments.
No further casting has been announced.
Brian Friel's play, The
Home Place which stars Tom Courtenay is currently playing
at the Comedy Theatre where it's booking until August 25, 2005.
|
