The Birthday Party to close early 25 June 2005

The Birthday Party to close early 25 June 2005

The Birthday Party, by Harold Pinter, which only a week ago extended by a week to 16 July, has now posted early closing notices for 25 June 2005 at the Duchess Theatre .

The production opened 25 April 2005, following previews from 20 April to terrific notices from the popular press: ROBERT HANKS for THE INDEPENDENT says, "thoroughly enjoyable production." MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "Probing, intelligent and very well-acted version of a brilliant play." ALASTAIR MACAULAY for THE FINANCIAL TIMES says, "The whole cast is superb." CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "Now receiving a cracking revival in the West End...it has lost none of its power to shock, disconcert and above all entertain." BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "Strongly cast, finely acted revival..the play leaves us...nervous, unsure but fascinated."

Directed by Lindsay Posner and designed by Peter McKintosh, the play features Henry Goodman (Goldberg), Eileen Atkins (Meg), Geoffrey Hutchings (Petey) , Finbar Lynch (McCann), Sinead Matthews (Lulu), Paul Ritter (Stanley).

It is produced by Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company in association with Duncan Weldon.

Stanley the unemployed musician leads a mundane but peaceful life, as the only guest living with the mumsy doting Meg, and quiet agreeable Petey. When the deeply sinister Goldberg and McCann arrive, their intentions grow progressively more ominous. Everyone, from the resort owners to the unsuspecting girl next door, becomes caught in the unruly web of Stanley´s peculiar birthday party.