World Premiere
Mad as Hell
BY CASSIE MCFARLANE AND ADRIAN HOPE.
DIRECTED BY CASSIE MCFARLANE.
7 February -
24 February 2018
24 February 2018
Overview
“And it’s my line. I bet you people are going to leave the cinema screaming that line.”
A bar in Jamaica. The early 1960s. When womanizing, hell-raising film star Peter Finch meets Eletha Barrett, a charismatic island girl, they both get more than they bargained for. The relationship between Peter and Eletha scandalises Hollywood, and culminates in Finch’s Oscar-winning performance in Network.
A battle between the ‘isms and schisms’ of race and prejudice and the courage of love, Mad as Hell reveals for the first time how the backdrop to Finch’s iconic performance was as fiery as the role he played.
Cassie McFarlane is a playwright and actress from Jamaica. Adrian Hope is her writing partner.
People
Alexandra Mardell
Debbie
Debbie
Alexandra is known for her work as a regular on Coronation Street.
Stephen Hogan
Peter Finch
Peter Finch
Stephen appeared in We Have Always Lived in this Castle, Transformers: The Last Knight, and in several shows at The Abbey Theatre.
Vanessa Donovan
Eletha Barrett
Eletha Barrett
Vanessa has appeared on stage at The Courtyard Theatre and Jermyn Street Theatre.
Cassie McFarlane
Playwright
Playwright
Adrian Hope
Playwright
Playwright
Cherry Truluck
Set and costume design
Set and costume design
Cassie McFarlane
Director
Director
Tim Mascall
Lighting design
Lighting design
David Beckham
Sound design
Sound design
Ryan Francois
Movement direction
Movement direction
Media
“This is one world premiere I was extremely happy to have been to.”
London Theatre 1
“A celebration of a woman who took it on the chin and imperiously faced Hollywood.”
Broadway World
“Strong performances from all, coupled with an understated script full of humour and optimism.”
The Spy in the Stalls
“An enjoyable romp ... with the pull of an unusual, starry story at its centre.”
Islington Tribune
“A sweet homage to the couple.”
London Theatre
“The acting is stellar.”
Exeunt Magazine
Upper Circle
The Upcoming
Reviews Gate