Isle of Wight What's On Guide: 2024 Events OnTheWight

Macready! Dickens' Theatrical Friend

Saturday 29 5.00pmJuly
2023

Theatre

Boniface Studios (The Hall)

St Catherine's Sixth Form College
St Boniface Road
Ventnor
PO38 1PR

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Macready! Dickens' Theatrical Friend

Source https://vfringe.co.uk/events/mcready-dickens-theatrical-friend/

Part of Ventnor Fringe Festival 2023

Mark stafford as macready

This compelling new show – written and performed by Mark Stratford – tells the story of the great Victorian actor-manager, Macready – the man to whom Charles Dickens dedicated ‘Nicholas Nickleby.’

A universal tale of love, devotion. ambition and sacrifice, it is one of the most remarkable ever to come out of the theatre.

With passion, humour, emotion, and an array of characters, Stratford takes us on a journey through the fascinating world of Victorian theatre and the extraordinary, yet conflicted, life of Macready, from his first tentative steps on stage in a tatty country theatre to his final ever performance at the mighty Drury Lane! And, as this year marks the 150th anniversary of Macready’s death, the production also pays a timely tribute to a theatrical pioneer who did so much to influence our theatre of today.

“Stratford’s remarkable ability to tell Macready’s story and create characters brings it all to life” – ★★★★ – Broadway Baby

“Drama King shows us the many ups and downs of Macready’s career and it’s gripping to watch” – GScene

“A very master class in how to do a one-man play…a joyous tribute to the acting profession… Stratford’s warm, engaging personality shone through each of the many characters he portrayed” – The Cambridge Critique

Tickets: £10, Under 25 £5, Family of 4 £25, Culture / Unlimited Pass 2for1 (pass holders only)