Hampstead Theater Hosts AMONGST BARBARIANS, VALUED FRIENDS Readings In July

Throughout the 50th Anniversary Year, Hampstead Theatre will be presenting two rehearsed readings from each decade in the Michael Frayn Studio Space.

To complement the revival of Frank McGuinness' Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme, two hits from the 1980s; Michael Wall's Amongst Barbarians and Valued Friends by Stephen Jeffreys, will be read.

Hampstead Theatre presents a rehearsed reading of

AMONGST BARBARIANS

by Michael Wall

Thursday 16 July, 7pm

Michael Frayn Space, Hampstead Theatre

All tickets £10

A social comedy set in the former British colony of Penang, Malaysia, where two young Englishmen are arrested for smuggling heroin and face the death penalty. In an attempt to rescue them, their relatives travel to Penang, their fares paid by the newspaper to which they've sold their story. As their efforts seem to be futile, English-folk abroad reveal their ignorance and prejudice.

Based on a true story, Amongst Barbarians was first performed at the Royal Exchange Manchester before tranferring to Hampstead in April 1989, with a cast including Kathy Burke.

Michael Wall wrote over 40 plays and won the 1989 Mobil Competition's prize for playwriting for Amongst Barbarians. He died in 1991 at the age of 45.

Hampstead Theatre presents a rehearsed reading of

VALUED FRIENDS

by Stephen Jeffreys
Saturday 18 July, 7pm

Michael Frayn Space, Hampstead Theatre

All tickets £10

A satire on the 1980s property boom. Four friends living together in a rented unfashionable basement flat are offered a large sum of money from a property developer to move out. Will the friends stick together for The Common good or ultimately be divided by self interest?

First produced at Hampstead Theatre in January 1989 with a cast including Michael Angelis, Martin Clunes, Josie Lawrence, Jimmy Mulville, Louisa Rix and Christopher Ryan.

Stephen won the 1989 London Evening Standard Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright.

 

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