A Voyage Round My Father w/ Rupert Everett - Bath & Tour

[TallPaul]

Will possibly only be the 'Waitrose tour', but still quite a coup to get Rupert Everett to go on the road.

From Playbill:

John Mortimer’s celebrated autobiographical play was adapted for the screen in 1982 with Laurence Olivier.

BAFTA nominee Rupert Everett will star in a new U.K. tour of John Mortimer’s A Voyage Around My Father, beginning later this year.

The autobiographical play, which was first presented in the early 1960's as a radio play before being adapted for both the screen and the stage, explores the difficult yet adoring relationship between a brilliantly eccentric and powerful father and the son who would do anything for his respect.

This new tour will begin September 28 at Theatre Royal Bath, continuing through October 7.

A Voyage Around My Father will be directed by Richard Eyre with set design by Bob Crowley and lighting design by Hugh Vanstone.

Additional tour dates, casting, and creative team members will be announced at a later time.

For more information, visit theatreroyal.org.uk.

[woobl]

'Waitrose Tour'? We always used to call it the 'Harvey Nics' Tour. I guess times have changed...!

[showgirl]

Never heard of a "Waitrose Tour" (nor the HN version), but it'd suit me as I have branches within a short distance in every direction. If only the same were true of theatres.

[Rory]

I just caught up with Rupert Everett's interview on The One Show last week about this production. He said they are hoping to bring it into London after the tour, which ends on 18th November.

[Rory]

I can see this doing 7 weeks at the Haymarket between Noises Off and Dorian Gray, now that the latter has been delayed by a few weeks.

[A.Ham]

I'd be interested in seeing this, always been an Everett fan.

Excuse my ignorance, but is a 'Waitrose tour' one when they only stop at theatres in affluent towns/cities that have a Waitrose? Cheltenham, Bath - those sorts of places?

[Fleance]

Sept 14, 2023 10:55:49 GMT Rory said:

I can see this doing 7 weeks at the Haymarket between Noises Off and Dorian Gray, now that the latter has been delayed by a few weeks.

That would be appropriate, it's where the original played (with Alec Guinness and Jeremy Brett) in 1971/72.

[rumbledoll]

Anyone knows the approx running time for this please? Trying to coordinate a trip/to Chichester.

[oxfordsimon]

TV version from the early 80s (which was rather marvellous) ran at 80 minutes. I have the script somewhere and I recall it being a relatively short piece

[rumtom]

I saw this at Richmond yesterday. Front row - so a bit of neck ache to be expected - but great to see such a talented group of actors up close doing this play justice. I enjoyed it, plenty of laughs and Mortimer's writing frequently joyous and fun.

I think it was 2 hours 10 with 20 minute interval additionally.

[partytentdown]

The title of this thread isn't quite right, it's called "A Voyage Round My Father"

[TallPaul]

Oct 12, 2023 14:20:36 GMT partytentdown said:

The title of this thread isn't quite right, it's called "A Voyage Round My Father"

Now corrected. Thank you for pointing it out.

[TallPaul]

Corrected again. Only taken three attempts!

It's all Playbill's fault. 🙂

[theoracle]

Whilst I enjoyed this, I found the material rather dated. This is reflected in the age of the audience too but good to see that you’re able to have a fun night out whatever your age. Rupert is fantastic as usual but really wanted to shout out Jack Bardoe who gave a brilliant performance as his son. The programme featured some interesting information about John Mortimer too which I think is worth reading. I’m not really sure if there’s a linear plot but there were humorous moments and clearly provided the audience with some nostalgia that I couldn’t quite tap into. Glad I went anyways and hope others do too

[Sotongal]

Oct 13, 2023 9:35:55 GMT theoracle said:

Whilst I enjoyed this, I found the material rather dated. This is reflected in the age of the audience too but good to see that you’re able to have a fun night out whatever your age. Rupert is fantastic as usual but really wanted to shout out Jack Bardoe who gave a brilliant performance as his son. The programme featured some interesting information about John Mortimer too which I think is worth reading. I’m not really sure if there’s a linear plot but there were humorous moments and clearly provided the audience with some nostalgia that I couldn’t quite tap into. Glad I went anyways and hope others do too

We saw it in Bath. 

Shout out for Jack Bardoe being an actor to watch out for! 👍🏻

[emsworthian]

I saw this at Chichester yesterday and enjoyed it immenseley. I did wonder if this was because I am in, or approaching, the age group theoracle referred to (Yes, we do still get out and about and enjoy life). I wouldn't say the material was dated. It reflects a bygone age but then so do the plays of Coward, GB Shaw, etc. etc.

I endorse the praise for Jack Bardoe but I'd also like to put in a word for Eleanor David as the Mother; she was in a role that was easy to overlook (as indeed are carers in real life.)

It made me realise how much I miss John Mortimer and Rumpole of the Bailey.