This really seems to be a year that celebrates the work and life of Lee Alexander McQueen. With a several exhibitions having taken place (not least the hugely successful and popular Savage Beauty one at the Victoria and Albert Museum) there was also a play that premiered at St James Theatre to great success.
It is this play (which I sadly missed out on during its original run) that is now taking a leap into the West End. The production is heading to the Theatre Royal Haymarket from the 13th August and officially opening on the 27th, running until the 7th November.
Written by James Phillips and directed by John Caird, the production has also been successful in getting the approval of McQueen’s family such as his sister Janet McQueen who said: “It was as though the play and Stephen’s performance brought Lee back to me again. I felt as though he was real again for me.”
But the play isn’t simply a bio-play. It takes audiences into the mind of one of fashion’s greatest contemporary artists. Set on a single night in London, a girl has been watching McQueen’s Mayfair house for eleven consecutive nights, but tonight she breaks into his house to steal a dress in order to become someone special. He catches her but instead of phoning the police, they embark on a journey through London and into his heart.
For those who have seen the original run, there are changes that have been made for the West End run. In particular, some scenes have been re-written and an interval added.
Talking about the West End transfer, writer James Phillips said: “I’m so delighted to haveMcQueen in the West End, and to take this opportunity to refine some things from the original production.”
So who will be in the cast? Stephen Wight will be playing the lead role of McQueen, while Carly Bawden will be taking over from Dianna Agron in the role of Dahlia. Other cast members include Tracy-Ann Oberman, Laura Rees and Michael Bertenshaw – with further casting to be announced.
For more information about the play and how to book tickets, then visit: http://mcqueentheplay.com/