Written in 2005 by the late Clive Exton, Barking in Essex has finally been brought to the West End. Harry Burton directs this string of performances at the Wyndham’s Theatre of a play that will have audiences rolling in the aisles with laughter, as they are given an all-access tour of Essex’s “criminal blunder-world”. As local antisocial criminal Algie Packer is released after his 7 year jail term, he relishes the thought of his stashed millions, all in unmarked notes. However, his dysfunctional and “well-dodgy” family have not been entirely honest.
Barking in Essex brings together an all-star cast that includes Lee Evans, Keeley Hawes, Sheila Hancock and Karl Johnson, for this previously unseen comedy from master playwright Clive Exton. Exton’s previous works include Jeeves and Wooster, Agatha Christie’s Poirot, and a number of Hollywood movies.
Most have seen Lee Evans in one format or another, doing what he does best: making his audience legless with laughter. For those who haven’t, he is a comedian who can generate laughs without words using unique movements, noises and facial expressions. Luckily he is also very accustomed to working with language and Barking in Essex gives him a script that will be a match made in heaven. You can expect to see a world in pink, orange and leopard print, made of plastic, polyester and silicone, and awash with dirty money, back-stabbing greed and selfish hedonism. And a lot of swearing.
A Barking in Essex theatre break gives you a laugh riot in London’s famous Theatreland, along with luxury accommodation and a sumptuous breakfast. Even our cheapest hotels have been carefully selected to ensure that they are clean and comfortable. Booking a Barking in Essex theatre break allows you to take advantage of our fantastic discounts on open rail tickets, as well as our special discounts on all of London’s major tours, attractions and events.
“In its black-hearted way, Barking in Essex is often wonderfully funny” The Telegraph
“Sheila Hancock as the towering, amoral matriarch of the family, who looks like a more elegant version of Lily Savage, offers a viciously unsentimental performance that is full of mercenary desire” thestage.co.uk
The play’s writer, Clive Exton, worked with Sir Richard Attenborough on ‘10 Rillington Place’, described by Exton as the only one of his feature films that he was pleased with.
Harry Burton, the play’s director, has worked with Lee Evans before, in a production of Harold Pinter’s ‘The Dumbwaiter’, which is said to be the influence for Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges.
Sheila Hancock said of her part: “I wanted to do this play mainly because I think/hope it is outrageously funny. My part is an awful woman, with no redeeming features. I’ll enjoy that."
This show is recomended for ages 16+ (it contains very strong language)
Monday - Saturday evenings @ 7.30pm | Thursday & Saturday matinees @ 2.30pm
Running time - 2hrs 10mins
Booking until - 04/01/2014
Please note: This show contains very strong language. A small number of seats in the Bronze category may have a slightly restricted view, please call for further details.