Rage on the Stage: SPEAKING IN TONGUES' Ian Hart Lunges at Audience Member

In what was a nasty display of stage rage, actor Ian Hart "lunged" at an audience member during the curtain call of his Speaking in Tongues at Monday night's performance, according to the U.K. Guardian.  

Hart, best known for portraying Professor Quirrell in the Harry Potter films allegedly "'exploded with anger' during the curtain call of Speaking in Tongues at the Duke of York's theatre in the West End. The focus of his ire was Gerard Earley, a 38-year-old web developer from south London, whom Hart believed had been talking through his performance," the Guardian writes.

He may face police charges.  Both Hart and the show's producers have refused comment.

Earley denies being disruptive but acknowledges that Hart did shout for him to "shut up" during the play, however, he assumed it was part of the show.  Hart was pulled off of Earley before any damage was done.

To read the full report in the U.K. Guardian, click here.

Speaking in Tongues, the 1996 play by Australian writer Andrew Bovell, made its London at Hampstead theatre in 2000 and was given film treatment under the name Lantana in 2001. The latest revival is currently running at the Duke of York Theatre in the West End. The production stars John Simm, Ian Hart, Kerry Fox and Lucy Cohu.

In the play, a woman is missing while another woman sees her male neighbour disposing of a female shoe.  A chain of mistrust develops around nine characters played by the four actors. 

The Duke of York Theatre is located at St. Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4BG. Performance times are Mon-Sat 7.30pm; Sat, Wed Mats 2.30pm.  Tickets range from £10-£48.50. Bookings are open through 12 December. For bookings call 0871 297 5454 or 020 7432 4220.

 

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