Michael Crawford returns to the W/E in The Go-Between
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
MICHAEL Crawford – internationally renowned for originating the title role in The Phantom of the Opera and loved by millions for his role as the hapless Frank Spencer in the classic British sitcom, Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em – will return to London’s West End this summer in a new production of The Go-Between.
Based on the classic novel by L. P. Hartley, The Go-Between is a new musical with a score written by Richard Taylor. The production will run at the Apollo Theatre from June 7 (previews from May 27) to October 15, 2016.
In this deeply moving coming of age story, Michael Crawford plays Leo Colston, a man who can no longer hide from the memories of his past – memories of the gloriously hot summer of 1900 and his days in Norfolk.
Spending the holidays with the family of his school friend Marcus in their luxurious country home, the young Leo finds himself acting as the go-between for the beautiful upper-class Marian and tenant-farmer Ted who are embroiled in a forbidden secret love affair. The innocent Leo gets caught up in the adult atmosphere of deceit and manipulation as he risks everything.
The events of that summer and the devastating effects of love denied will shape his life forever.
Michael Crawford’s hugely successful career spans four decades, and includes his unforgettable performance in the hit show Barnum at the London Palladium, the role of Count Fosco in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Woman in White and the eponymous role in The Wizard of Oz, also at the London Palladium. He is a multi Olivier and Tony award-winning star whose acclaim encompasses theatre, television and film and he was appointed an OBE in 1988.
The Go-Between’s composer/lyricist Richard Taylor most recently composed Flowers For Mrs Harris, which is to receive its world premiere at Sheffield Crucible Theatre.
The Go-Between is directed by Roger Haines (The Girls by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth) having been adapted by David Wood (the Olivier Award-winning Goodnight Mister Tom), who is also the co-lyricist.
Further casting will be announced in due course.
The Go-Between is produced by Greene Light Stage (formerly Old Vic Productions) and Bill Kenwright. This project was originally developed by Perfect Pitch Musicals Ltd. and presented at Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Derby Live and West Yorkshire Playhouse.
Tickets: £19.50 – £75. Reduced price previews from May 27. to book, call 0330 333 4809 or visit thegobetweenmusical.com/.
Times: Monday to Saturday at 7:30pm; Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2:30pm.
The West End transfer of Jessica Swale’s new play Nell Gwynn, starring Gemma Arterton, runs at the Apollo Theatre until April 30, 2016.