Festen extends another week to 16 April 2005

Festen extends another week to 16 April 2005

The Almeida Theatre production of David Eldridge's new English Language adaptation of Festen, has been extended another week to 16 April 2005 at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave, prior to an expected transfer to Broadway.

Festen opened at the Almeida Theatre in March 2004 for a limited run to 1 May 2004. It transferred to the Lyric Theatre from 15 Sep 2004

Festen has 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: Paul Nicholls (Christian), Carol Royle (Else), William Beck (Michael), Susannah Wise (Mette), Morven Christie (Pia), Jason Baughan (Kim), Sam Beazley (Grandfather), Sam Cox (Poul), Andrew Maud (Lars), Stephen Moore (Helge), Patrick Robinson (Gbatokai), Lisa Palfrey (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.