It's Regency Era Glamour at the Talisman

Esther Riggs as Lady Gay Spanker, caught in a moment of comedic surprise during ‘London Assurance’.  Photo credit - Photographer: Robert Warner  Picture composition: Lewis Sully.

London Assurance by Dion Boucicault at the Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre from Monday, 30 September to Saturday, 5 October 2024.

Preview

The Talisman Theatre brings Regency-Era glamour to the stage with a Bridgerton-inspired ‘London Assurance’.

The Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre is excited to present Dion Boucicault’s timeless comedy, ‘London Assurance’ – a hilarious exploration of mistaken identities, romantic chaos, and biting social satire, set against the backdrop of 19th-century London society. Though written in 1841, the play’s wit and charm remain as engaging today as ever in this revised version by Richard Bean.

London Assurance tells the story of Sir Harcourt Courtly, a 57-year-old fop, as he leaves London for the Gloucestershire countryside to marry his young fiancée, Grace Harkaway. However, Sir Harcourt’s plans for a quiet weekend are quickly disrupted by the unexpected arrival of his son, Charles, who is fleeing his creditors and happens to be in disguise. Adding to the confusion, Charles also falls for Grace and enlists the help of the boisterous Lady Gay Spanker to seduce his father, diverting his attention from his bride-to-be. Chaos, hilarity, and delightful twists ensue as the farcical love triangle unravels.

The production boasts a talented cast of Talisman regulars and newcomers Hugh Sorrill and Esther Riggs, who take on the vibrant roles of Sir Harcourt Courtly and Lady Gay Spanker. Talisman Theatre is always thrilled to welcome new talent to its stage; this production is no exception.

Director Christine Carpenter shares her enthusiasm for the play: “London Assurance is simply a brilliant comedy. Its sharp dialogue, unforgettable characters, and physical gags make it one of the funniest plays in the English language. Richard Bean’s 2010 adaptation for the National Theatre, with Simon Russell Beale and Fiona Shaw, only reinforced its status as a classic. I first fell in love with this play in the 1970s, when I saw a young Judi Dench perform as Grace Harkaway, and it’s been a favourite ever since.”

Christine adds: “The plot revolves around an unusual love triangle, where Grace, bound by her father’s will to marry a man three times her age, finds herself attracted to his reckless son. Throw in the irresistibly named Lady Gay Spanker and her elderly husband Adolphus, and the stage is set for a whirlwind of comedic mayhem.”

First performed in 1841 when Boucicault was just 21, ‘London Assurance’ went on to solidify his place as a giant of 19th-century theatre. Don’t miss this chance to see why his work has endured for generations!

‘London Assurance’ runs from Monday, 30th September to Saturday, 5th October at the Talisman Theatre. Tickets are now available via the website www.talismantheatre.co.uk or by contacting the Box Office direct on 01926 856548.