The Workington Playgoers are looking forward to tackling one of the most challenging plays ever written, a rollercoaster ride through a destructive marriage.
Many people will remember the 1966 film version of ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ starring Richard Burton as George, a middle-aged history professor at an American college, and Elizabeth Taylor as his hot-tempered wife Martha. But Edward Albee’s original play was first staged four years earlier, and it has lost none of its power to shock and entertain.
The play opens with George and Martha returning home in the early hours of the morning, after a college party. George discovers, much to his displeasure, that Martha has invited a new professor and his young wife to their home for some after-party drinks. As the alcohol flows and dawn approaches, the young couple are drawn into George and Martha’s terrifying games until the evening reaches its climax in a moment of devastating truth-telling. The Telegraph called this ‘The most wickedly entertaining … play in the American canon’ so audiences will be in for a memorable evening!
Director Brian Young says: ‘Within the play, there are some very humorous moments which help to lighten the emotional intensity. The actors have been grateful for these changes of tone as they have worked on this tour de force of a play.’
The Workington Playgoers’ production features Will Tillotson and Grace Walker as George and Martha, and Kelly Pearce and Craig Norendal as the younger couple Honey and Nick.
The play runs from Tuesday 5th to Saturday 9th February, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced at £11.50 (£10.50 concessions), are available online at http://www.theatre-royal-workington.co.uk/afraid-of-virginia-woolf/ or on the door, or you can leave a message on 01900 603161.
