THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE Opens at Wharf 2, Feb 22

With an exceptional cast comprised of Judi Farr, Eamon Farron, Darren Gilshenan and Mandy McElhinney, THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE by Martin McDonagh is at Sydney Theatre Company's Wharf 2 from 20 February, opening 22 February. Directed by Cristabel Sved, the production is part of the Company's extensive 2010 Education Program (STC Ed, with evening performances open to both school groups and the general public.

Maureen, a middle-aged spinster, lives with her elderly, manipulative mother Mag. Her sisters have flown the nest, escaping the drab family home but Maureen remains at home, trapped in a dysfunctional relationship with her mother. The arrival of an invitation sparks hopes of a last-chance romance and offers Maureen the prospect of an escape to a new life. Things might be looking up for her, but not if her iron-willed mother has anything to do with it.

Loaded with savage irony, surreal humour and a touch of melodrama Martin McDonagh's THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE looks at the malevolence of people leading hopeless lives.

The cast is well-known to Sydney audiences, particularly for recent performances in STC Main Stage productions. Judi Farr was nominated for a Sydney Theatre Award for her performance in John Doyle's The Pig Iron People. Darren Gilshenan is currently on stage in TOT MOM (closing 7 February) and starred in last year's ELLING. Mandy McElhinney has just returned to Australia following STC's triumphant tour of A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE to Washington and New York.

Cristabel Sved has worked as a director, actor, teacher and dramaturg with companies including Sydney Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre Company, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Red Stitch Actor's Company and NIDA. She holds a BA (Hons) in Performance from UWS and is a graduate of NIDA's directing course. Cristabel was a founding member of Darlinghurst Theatre Company, was Griffin Theatre Company's inaugural Affiliate Director in 2009 and has been a member of the B Sharp Artistic Committee since 2008.

The creative team includes Director Cristabel Sved, Set & Costume Designer William Bobbie Stewart, Lighting Designer Verity Hampson and Sound Designer Max Lyandvert

The cast includes Judi Farr, Eamon Farren, Darren Gilshenan and Mandy McElhinney.

To contact the Box Office, please call 02 9250 1777 or visit sydneytheatre.com.au.
Tickets are $31 for adults, $25 for concessions and $21.70 for those under 30.

Evening performances are at 7pm on 20, 22, 25, 27 February, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13 March.

For details of schools performances and ticket prices visit sydneytheatre.com.au/stced.

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