Celebrating 60 years since the performance premiered, Red Line Productions are reviving a seminal drama of the 20th century that transformed British Theatre.
'Look Back In Anger' follows the love triangle of an intelligent but disaffected young man, his impassive wife, and her haughty best friend.
The original production, written by emerging playwright John Osbourne, exploded onto the theatre scene in London, uncharacteristically straying from traditional escapist drama and instead employing the harshness of realism.
Artistic Director Andrew Henry, who also plays Jimmy Porter, was happy to answer some questions about the performance.
Could you summarise the storyline of 'Look Back In Anger'?
Three young people live in their tiny flat in Darby unable or rather unwilling to break their ritual of reading the papers, drinking tea and ironing on their Sunday and running a sweets stall during the week. Settling instead for predatory conversation blaming everyone for their situation. Enter a new target for the play's antagonist, and a strange and unsettling love triangle emerges.
How did the play make such an impact on the British Theatre industry?
Prior to 'Look Back' what we saw were big bright drawing room comedies. Then suddenly, a writer emerges who wrote with such naturalism and so close to the bone about the class wars and loss of England in a very identifiable and unsettling “working class” apartment. From then on the angry young man was born.
What made you select 'Look Back In Anger' as an appropriate choice for Red Line Productions?
We were granted the rights to bill this as a 60th anniversary production. That allowed the programming to be very special because this is one of the great plays, but one that few folk will have experienced in the theatre. So I wanted Red Line to give an audience that experience.
Is there any pressure in recreating such a successful and highly regarded play?
Absolutely, and also a play known for its blatant misogyny. It is terrifying, but it is important to challenge our audiences and also to let them take something away to be discussed. I think this play is going to really test out some 2016 audience members but it won't be from boredom.
How do you balance performing with artistic directing?
Cheap beer at the Fitz, a supportive girlfriend, a brilliant family and a great staff that work for Red Line. That takes care of 50% of the task, the rest is made up by the other person on the executive, our Executive Director Vanessa who gets me through.
Have you enjoyed working with the cast?
Absolutely. Robin has been a dear friend for many years. Melissa and I did Janet King together and Chantelle and I met late last year and I think she is brilliant. It's a joy.
How has Belvoir played a part in supporting the production?
Belvoir have been so freaking brilliant since day one with us. That bubbles down to Eamon and Brenna having worked at the Fitz. So they support us with simple and bizarre things that help prop up a theatre company like ours. For 'Look Back', they have allowed us to perform in their downstairs theatre to raise additional funds for our 2017 season.
What is it that makes the Old Fitz Theatre most suitable for the performance?
Oh boy, a Jimmy Porter rant at the Fitz. Perfection.
Why would you encourage theatre fans to attend?
For better or worse this is a legendary play, its impact is undeniable and it really is a must see event if for no other reason than it is a 60th anniversary production of 'Look Back In Anger'.
'Look Back In Anger' plays at the Old Fitz Theatre from 16 August-10 September.
