Durham’s Gala Theatre is to host live screenings of two compelling plays that deal with the dark side of money, success and fame.
Timon of Athens is an adaptation of The Life of Timon of Athens, believed to have been written by Shakespeare in collaboration with Thomas Middleton in 1605 or 1606.
The play, performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company, will be screened from Stratford-upon-Avon on Wednesday 20th November at 7.00 pm.
Timon of Athens features the award-winning actor Kathryn Hunter, who plays the main character of Timon. The play is directed by Simon Godwin.
Living in a greed-driven world, Timon enjoys money, friends and influence. When Timon’s money runs out, however, her friends disappear. Timon leaves Athens and, cursing the city, sets up home in the woods.
Timon of Athens is a sharp satire on materialism and greed and an exploration of whether money can buy happiness.
Present Laughter, a comic play by Noel Coward, will be screened at Durham’s Gala Theatre on Thursday 28th November at 7.00 pm.
A National Theatre Production, Present Laughter will be screened from the Old Vic in London and will star Andrew Scott of Sherlock and Fleabag.
Present Laughter – which explores themes of fame, desire and loneliness – also draws on Shakespearean influences. The play’s title is taken from a song in Twelfth Night.
Scott plays famous actor Garry Essendine, who is preparing to set off on an overseas tour. His last few days in Britain are a tornado of confusing relationships, an identity crisis, love, sex, anxiety and soul searching.
The manager of Durham’s Gala Theatre, Robin Byers, said, “The issues covered in Timon of Athens and Present Laughter are as relevant today as they were when they were first performed, and I am sure audiences will not be disappointed.”
Tickets for each screening are priced at £15, £13 for concessions and £10 for Gala members. To book tickets, please telephone 03000 266 600 or go to https://www.galadurham.co.uk/.
(This article’s main image shows Kathryn Hunter in Timon of Athens. Photo credit: Simon Annand)
