Festen: extends 2 months to 5 March 2005

Festen: extends 2 months to 5 March 2005

The Almeida Theatre production of David Eldridge's new English Language adaptation of Festen, has been extended two months to 5 March 2005 at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave

Festen opened at the Almeida Theatre in March 2004 for a limited run 1 May 2004. It transferred to the Lyric Theatre, opening 23 Sep 2004, following previews from 15 Sep 2004, where it received terrific notices from the popular press: NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Imaginative adaptation..brings serious glory to the West End." MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "This is acting of the highest order in a stunning production." BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "Harsher, stronger, darker, yet funnier than I recall it being at the Almeida."

The cast includes Rory Kinnear (Michael), Luke Mably (Christian), Stephen Moore (Helge) & Andrew Frame (Kim), Jane Asher (Else), Sam Beazley (Grandfather), Sam Cox (Poul), Andrew Maud (Lars), Ruth Millar (Pia), Lisa Palfrey (Mette), Patrick Robinson (Gbatokai), Claire Rushbrook (Helene), Michael Thomas (Helmut).

Festen is a dramatization by David Eldridge based on the Dogme film and play by Thomas Vinterberg, Mogens Rukov and Bo hr. Hansen.

It is directed by Rufus Norris, designed by Ian MacNeil,lighting by Jean Kalman, costumes by Joan Wadge, and produced in the West End by Maria Rubin & Bill Kenwright

Patriarch Helge Klingenfelt is celebrating his 60th birthday with his family at a magnificent old hotel in the Danish countryside. Gathered together are his loyal wife Elsa, his daughter Helene, and sons Christian and Michael. As the evening progresses Christian feels compelled to break the silence surrounding a dark family secret. The effect is explosive and sets the tone for a celebration no-one will forget.