Sir Henry Irving tribute

Sir Henry Irving tribute

Copy of Press Release

On Monday, 13th February 2006 a sinister tale of murder and revenge will be performed at The Lyceum Theatre, London, home of Disney's, The Lion King.

Sir Henry Irving became an overnight sensation in 1871, starring as 'Mathias' in Leopold Lewis' THE BELLS - a role he continued to play for decades, as actor-manager of The Lyceum Theatre. The evening's festivities will begin with Sir Ian McKellen unveiling an historic plaque by the theatre's main entrance. It will commemorate Irving together with his Acting Manager, Bram Stoker, who wrote DRACULA during his time at the theatre.

To mark the centenary of his death, Bacchae Productions have drawn together an incredible cast led by STEVEN BERKOFF to pay tribute to the world's first theatrical knight, by bringing his immortal role back to the theatre where it made him a legend...

Remember that, before Irving, actors were considered vagabonds and whores. He was the first actor to be knighted and, as such, he legitimised the theatrical profession.

Simon Callow will introduce the evening, followed by a rehearsed reading of The Bells. Mr. Berkoff will be supported by Daniela Denby-Ashe, Cherie Lunghi, Matthew Kelly, Derren Nesbitt, Ian Lavender, Julian Rhind-Tutt and Ron Moody as The Mesmerist. Directed and narrated by Roy Marsden.

"THE BELLS" by Leopold Lewis is a barnstorming melodrama. The story was "The Silence of the Lambs" of its day. Its grim tale shocked and appalled dainty Victorian sensibilities and they couldn't get enough of it. It tells the story of Mathias, a man harbouring a terrible secret.

This will be a fund raising event for TheatreCares. (TheatreCares is the UK Theatres response to HIV and AIDS facilitated by Crusaid.)

The evening will be a piece of theatre history and an enjoyable tribute to the Great Sir Henry Irving.

Tickets 10 - 20 pounds available on 0870 534 4444