BANG BANG! A NEW FARCE BY JOHN CLEESE* TO TOUR UK
Based on ‘Monsieur Chasse’ by Georges Feydeau
With Tessa Peake-Jones, Tony Gardner and Wendi Peters
(*Mr Cleese does not appear in this production – he wanted to, but we wouldn’t let him)
‘Laugh out loud’ The Stage
‘Cleese is a master of surreal British slapstick’ Daily Telegraph
Exeter Northcott Theatre and Dermot McLaughlin Productions announce the Premiere UK Tour of Bang Bang! A new farce from John Cleese, as he makes his stage writing debut with a hilarious new adaptation of this classic comedy. A delicious blend of French Farce and Fawlty Towers. Bang Bang! opens at Exeter Northcott Theatre on 6th February and tours until May. Cast will include Tessa Peake-Jones, Tony Gardner and Wendi Peters.
When Leontine, a respectable society lady, discovers that she’s been hoodwinked by her husband, Duchotel, who’s always pretending to go hunting but really chasing after other ‘prey’, she vows to take revenge on the philanderer! But while Duchotel’s away, his lifelong fried comes calling – and he’s on the hunt too. Will Leontine get caught in his sights, or instead set a trap of her own? Secrets unravel as the devilish Duchotel finds himself snared in a door-slamming, trouser-dropping, balcony-climbing night of chaos set amidst the stylish apartments of Paris.
Tessa Peake-Jones became a household name with her role as Raquel in the iconic comedy Only Fools and Horses. Her extensive stage work encompasses the National Theatre and RSC, recent credits include The Winslow Boy and Shirley Valentine.
Tony Gardner first made his name in comedy as part of the award-winning comedy duo Struck off and Die. Since then he has appeared on TV in roles ranging from My Parents are Aliens to Last Tango in Halifax and on stage in Alan Ayckbourn’s classic Bedroom Farce.
Wendi Peters is most widely known for her role as Cilla Battersby in Coronation Street and is currently appearing in the West End smash-hit musical Big.
Dermot McLaughlin Productions, in association with Farces Galore Ltd presents the Exeter Northcott Production of Bang Bang!. Directed by Daniel Buckroyd with design from David Shields and lighting from David W Kidd.
John Cleese says “I am delighted to be working with Exeter Nothcott Theatre and Dermot Mclaughlin to bring Bang Bang! to stages across the country with such a talented cast. Farce is my greatest love – Fawlty Towers consisted of 12 farces – and I think UK audiences will love this hilarious classic.”
Daniel Buckroyd, Artistic Director & Chief Executive at Exeter Northcott Theatre says “We’re thrilled to be working with this fantastic team to launch this first UK tour of Bang Bang! here at the Northcott Theatre; partly because it’s such a funny script and we’ve assembled such a great cast, but also because regional producing venues are the life-blood of UK theatre – developing talent, growing audiences, providing the beating heart of a vibrant creative regional city like Exeter – so we’re proud to be flying the flag for theatre ‘Made in Devon’ across the country.”
Don’t miss your chance to book the best seats in the house for this riot of a comedy. Tickets are on sale soon for listings and details visit www.bangbangtour.co.uk and follow #bangbangtouruk.
06 – 15 Feb – Exeter Northcott Theatre – www.exeternorthcott.co.uk
18 – 22 Feb – Theatr Clwyd Mold – www.theatrclwyd.com – 01352 344101
25 – 29 Feb – New Theatre Peterborough – www.newtheatre-peterborough.com – 01733 852992
03 – 07 Mar – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford – www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk – 01483 44 00 00
24 – 28 Mar – Wyvern Theatre Swindon – www.swindontheatres.co.uk – 01793 524481
31 Mar – 04 Apr – Palace Theatre Westcliff on Sea – www.southendtheatres.org.uk – 01702 351135
06 – 11 Apr – Ashcroft Playhouse Croydon – www.fairfield.co.uk – 020 3292 0002
14 – 18 Apr – Orchard Theatre Dartford – www.orchardtheatre.co.uk – 01322 220000
20th – 25 Apr – Devonshire Park Theatre – www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk
05 – 09 May – Festival Theatre Malvern – www.malvern-theatres.co.uk – 01684 892277