Preparations are underway for the world premiere of Glenn Chandler and Charles Miller’s new musical The Pleasure Garden, which runs at south London’s Above the Stag Theatre from 15 September to 17 October 2021, with a press night on 23 September. Sneak a peek inside the rehearsal room with our gallery. Time to get booking!
Set in 1850 in the waning heyday of the hedonistic Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, The Pleasure Garden centres on Tom Reckless, a handsome young gardener, who is torn between the affections of a hopelessly romantic shipping clerk and a sexually voracious aristocratic couple. With the gardens closing and his livelihood under threat, will Tom choose a bohemian life with Ralph; employment with the unorthodox Lord and Lady Lovelock; or answer the drumbeat of a looming overseas war?
The Pleasure Garden has a book and lyrics by Glenn Chandler, with music by Charles Miller. Musical direction is by Aaron Clingham, choreography by Carole Todd, set and costumes by David Shields and lighting by Jack Wills.
Above the Stag Theatre is set on the edge of the modern-day Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, now a popular local park.
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The cast of The Pleasure Garden are Sam Baumal (as Tom Restless), Jay Worley (Ralph Pottinger), Ashleigh Harvey (Lady Maude Lovelock), Rory-Charlie Campbell (Lord Roger Lovelock), Steve Watts (The Hermit), Jennie Jacobs (Captain Antrobus), Jonathan Harlaw (Albert) and Bea Amora Wong (Princess Saura).
