AN ambitious new production of an amazing drama is coming to Monmouth this week. “The Entertainer”, by John Osborne was a major element in broadening the career of Sir Lawrence Olivier, both on stage and on screen. It was written at Olivier’s request by Osborne – who had breathed new life into British Theatre with his ground-breaking play, “Look Back in Anger”.

Now, local drama group, Off Centre Theatre, is to stage an entirely new production of this dark comedy set amid the decline of the Music Hall, which still has echoes today in the likes of TV shows such as Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice.

It is no accident that this play is being revised now, for there are significant similarities between post-war Britain in the 1950s, when the play was written and first performed and today’s international turmoil. Then it was Suez which raised the temperature between Britain and the USA. We all know what it is today!

Martin Newman, who previously directed the successful production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” for OCT, has traced the play’s original musical score, unheard since the 1960s, to a Mormon University in Utah, giving this production an authenticity previously denied. The music will be performed by a wonderful four piece band.

The experienced cast also features three young local students, wonderfully supported by singers and dancers, all local to the area.

As John Osborne put it; “I don’t want the audience to think, I am want them to feel”

It’s a show not to be missed!

The three performances are this week at Monmouth’s Savoy Theatre on June 19, 20 and 21 all at 19.30.

Tickets are already on sale and can be obtained from The Savoy, Monmouth. Go to: https://monmouth-savoy.co.uk/theatre/ or visit the box office in Church Street, Monmouth.