The Old Vic presents the Sheffield Theatres’ production of Democracy.

Previews 15 June 2012

Press night 20 June 2012

Michael Frayn’s gripping, spy thriller comes to The Old Vic after its highly acclaimed run at Sheffield Theatres.

This timely revival of Frayn’s stylish and sharp-witted thriller takes us into the true life world of political intrigue, espionage and betrayal. Set during the final months in office of the charismatic, nobel prize-winning West German Chancellor Willy Brandt, as suspicions of a Stasi spy infiltrating his precarious coalition government come to a head.

A brilliant ensemble of actors bring to life the fast-paced world of Democracy – Andrew Bridgmont, David Cann, Patrick Drury, Richard Hope, William Hoyland, Ed Hughes, David Mallinson, Aidan McArdle, James Quinn and Rupert Vansittart.

Democracy received its premiere at the National Theatre in 2003 winning the Evening Standard Award and Critics’ Circle Best Play awards and swiftly transferring to the West End due to popular demand. Multi-award-winning author and playwright,

Michael Frayn’s plays include Noises Off (The Old Vic’s production can be currently seen in the West End) The Two of Us, Alphabetical Order, Donkeys’ Years, Clouds, Balmoral, Make or Break, Benefactors, Look Look, Here, Copenhagen and Afterlife. He has also published eleven novels, including recently Skios and Spies which won the Whitbread Novel Award and has written several screen plays including Clockwise starring John Cleese. 

Paul Miller’s work includes True West and Hamlet at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, Elling at the Bush Theatre and Trafalgar Studios, Baby Girl/DNA/The Miracle, The Enchantment, Sing Yer Heart Out for the Lads and The Associate for the National Theatre.

Director                    Paul Miller
Designer                  Simon Daw
Lighting                    Mark Doubleday
Music & Sound        Ben & Max Ringham

 Nominated for the Olivier Award for Best Revival and Celia Imrie for Best Actress.

View trailer

Following its triumphant and critically acclaimed run at The Old Vic, Michael Frayn’s multi award-winning  backstage comedy Noises Off  transfers to the Novello Theatre from 24 March until 30 June 2012.

Described by the critics as -  “Achingly foot-stompingly seal-honkingly hysterical” (The Sunday Times), “Stunning” (The Observer), “Riotous” (The Guardian), “Bang-on-the-money” (The Daily Telegraph), “The ultimate comedy of theatrical chaos and confusion” (Sunday Express) and “Pure Pleasure” (The Times).

Directed by Lindsay Posner, this it comedy stars Alice Bailey Johnson, Lucy Briggs-Owen, Jonathan Coy, Janie Dee, Robert Glenister, Jamie Glover, Celia Imrie, Karl Johnson and Paul Ready.

Winner of both Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Comedy, Noises Off celebrated its 30^th anniversary on 23 February this year. This much loved play serves up a riotous double bill – a play within a play. Hurtling along at breakneck speed it follows the backstage antics of a touring theatre company as they stumble their way through rehearsals to a shambolic first night and a final disastrous performance.

 Running time: 2 hours 20 minutes including a 20 minute interval

4 STARS

The Times – The Daily Telegraph – Time Out – The Guardian – The Sunday Times 

Please click here to download a pdf seating plan.

Running time: 2 hours 35 minutes including a 15 minute interval