"Michael Fentiman has gathered a strong cast, especially Catrin Stewart as the shrewd Marion, whose ambition fuels the narrative of the play." - The Stage
"This revival takes us on a full-on nostalgia fest with a booming eighties soundtrack and retro knitwear" - Time & Leisure
"Natalie Casey is an unbridled tornado of energy as Sherry" - Broadway World
★★★★ ★★★★
London Theatre 1 Spy in The Stalls
It’s 1980s London and change is happening. The city is ablaze with social, political and cultural upheaval and in a basement flat in Earls Court, four friends in their mid-thirties are scrabbling to keep their heads above water.
Housemates for more than 10 years, Sherry is a hapless, quirky comedian; Paul, a keen music journalist; Marion, a straight-talking realist; and Howard, an earnest academic writing about the corruption of capitalism. The friends are thrown unexpectedly into a battle of nerves when a young, confident property developer offers them a substantial fee to vacate their home in West London.
Spurred on by the revolutions of their time, they quickly realise they hold all the cards in this real-life game of Monopoly and over the course of three years, they manipulate a burgeoning property market one cup of tea at a time.
Stephen Jeffreys' play was an instant classic when first performed at Hampstead Theatre in 1989 winning the Evening Standard and Critics' Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright, with a cast that featured Jane Horrocks, Peter Capaldi, Tim McInnerny, Serena Gordon, Martin Clunes and Peter Caffrey.
Valued Friends is a compelling comedy drama set to the soundtrack of 1980s London and against the backdrop of Thatcher’s Britain. This brand new production directed by Michael Fentiman will be the first revival of the play in 30 years.
Read more about what Michael Coveney had to say on Stephen Jeffreys' Valued Friends here.
Press Night: Thu 26 Sep, 7pm
Friends Night: Wed 9 Oct, 7.30pm (hosted by Russell-Cooke)
Estimated Running Time: 2hr 15mins (incl. interval)
Thinking about booking for one of our Access Performances? Learn more about the experience here.
Please call Box Office for more details - 020 8174 0090
Rehearsal & Production photos by: Pamela Raith