Orson's Shadow by Austin Pendleton at the Southwark

Jagged Fence Productions and Smith & Brant Theatricals present the European premiere of Orson's Shadow by Austin Pendleton at the Southwark Playhouse from 1 July to 25 July 2015, with an official opening on 7 July 2015.

The comedy is described as a "sharp-witted yet tender-hearted expose of the thin skins, hot tempers, and rampaging egos that exist when two titans of the stage and screen come together." Based on true events it was nominated Outstanding Play of the Year in the Lortel Awards on its New York debut.

"1960. Backstage at London's Royal Court Theatre. Hollywood giants Orson Welles and Laurence Olivier have been persuaded to work together for the first time - the inspired idea of legendary theatre critic, Kenneth Tynan. Welles has agreed to direct Olivier and Joan Plowright in a production of Eugène Ionesco's masterpiece Rhinoceros. But with Olivier's eccentric wife Vivien Leigh added to the volatile mix, legendary egos collide both on stage and off."

The production will be directed by Alice Hamilton, with a full cast and creative team to be announced.