PRIOR TO THE WEST END
Wife after Death
Starring TOM CONTI
Harvey Barrett's just lost his best friend... It's time to cash in
Dave Thursby was a hugely successful television comedian, a national treasure loved by the public, a devoted husband to his fragrant wife, a model client for his agent and a staunch friend to his faithful gag writer, Harvey.
But when Dave unexpectedly pops his clogs, these close companions are left bereft. There's now a huge, aching void in their lives, and, worse still, some of them may be out of a job. Unless, of course, the repeats, television specials, biographies and newspaper tell-alls can fill the vacuum.
As family and friends gather to give Dave a fitting send-off, it turns out they know rather less about him than they'd imagined and a series of revelations uncover some home truths about the much-loved comedy legend. Choking back the tears and protesting their love for Dave, the mourners set about exploiting his comic legacy for all it's worth.
Crammed with great jokes, Eric Chappell’s play reflects a lifetime of working with timeless comedians. The author of such classic television comedies as Rising Damp, Only When I Laugh, Duty Free and Home to Roost understands the ego of comic genius better than most and he turns his formidable gift for comedy to this rich subject with hilarious effect in Wife After Death.
Tom Conti, one of this country’s finest comic actors, leads the cast as Harvey in this fast-paced comedy joined by Diane Fletcher, Royce Mills, Diana Marchment, Elizabeth Payne and Nina Young.
Dave Thursby was a hugely successful television comedian, a national treasure loved by the public, a devoted husband to his fragrant wife, a model client for his agent and a staunch friend to his faithful gag writer, Harvey.
But when Dave unexpectedly pops his clogs, these close companions are left bereft. There's now a huge, aching void in their lives, and, worse still, some of them may be out of a job. Unless, of course, the repeats, television specials, biographies and newspaper tell-alls can fill the vacuum.
As family and friends gather to give Dave a fitting send-off, it turns out they know rather less about him than they'd imagined and a series of revelations uncover some home truths about the much-loved comedy legend. Choking back the tears and protesting their love for Dave, the mourners set about exploiting his comic legacy for all it's worth.
Crammed with great jokes, Eric Chappell’s play reflects a lifetime of working with timeless comedians. The author of such classic television comedies as Rising Damp, Only When I Laugh, Duty Free and Home to Roost understands the ego of comic genius better than most and he turns his formidable gift for comedy to this rich subject with hilarious effect in Wife After Death.
Tom Conti, one of this country’s finest comic actors, leads the cast as Harvey in this fast-paced comedy joined by Diane Fletcher, Royce Mills, Diana Marchment, Elizabeth Payne and Nina Young.
From 29th March To 3rd April
Times Eves 8pm Wed & Sat Mats 2.30pm
Prices 1st Night & Mats £20.50 £18.50 Tues-Thurs Eves £22.50 £20.50 £18.50 £16.50 Fri & Sat Eves £24.50 £22.50 £20.50 £18.50
Concessions (£1 concessions over 60s/ unwaged) Under 26s £8
Venue Festival Theatre
Genre Drama
Brilliant
comedy
The cast were brilliant we didn't stop laughing
It would knock spots off some of the west end productions 
Thoroughly enjoyable production from beginning to end. All the members of the cast should be congratulated for delivering a highly entertaining performance.
