Production images have been released for the production of Nick Dear’s Hogarth’s Progress, playing at the Rose Theatre in Kingston.
Playing in rep as part of the Rose Theatre Kingston’s 10th anniversary season, Nick Dear’s Hogarth’s Progress is formed of two plays: The Art of Success and the world premiere of The Taste of the Town.
The production sees Anthony Banks directing Bryan Dick as the younger William Hogarth in the first major UK revival of Dear’s acclaimed comedy The Art of Success, which follows Hogarth through a bawdy night in 1730 and Keith Allen as the older William Hogarth in the world première of The Taste of the Town which rejoins the now hugely successful artist 30 years later towards the end of his career.
Meanwhile, Keith Allen and Bryan Dick are joined on stage by Ruby Bentall (Jane Hogarth and Nancy/Mrs Ryott), Emma Cunniffe (Louisa and Mrs Colquhoun/Mrs Bascombe), Ben Deery (Frank and Zachariah Blunt), Jack Derges (Henry Fielding and Parson Venables), Ian Hallard (Oliver and Horace Walpole), Susannah Harker (Queen Caroline and Jane Hogarth), Jasmine Jones (Sarah Sprackling and Bridget), Sylvestra Le Touzel (Mrs Needham and Lady Thornhill) and Mark Umbers (Robert Walpole and David Garrick).
The Olivier Award nominated comedy The Art of Success is having its first major revival and focuses on newlywed William’s rise to fame into a dizzying and hilarious night out through 18th century London’s high society and debauched underworld. Meanwhile, The Taste of the Town catches up with the Hogarths in Chiswick some 30 years later. Now hugely successful, William and Jane are still at odds with the world and with each other. Facing public ridicule for what he considers his finest painting, William sets out to confront his fiercest critic, but there’s always time for one more pint on the way.
Hogarth’s Progress continues to play at the Rose Theatre Kingston until the 21st October. For more information visit: https://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/whats-on/hogarths-progress.