Chasing Bono, the latest play from writing partnership Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, is currently playing at London’s Soho Theatre until 19 January 2019. The play is loosely drawn on the autobiographical recollections of Neil McCormick, who grew up, and was schoolfriends with, Bono.
‘A witty comedy of reconciliation & acceptance’: CHASING BONO – Soho Theatre
Writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais turn the serious premise of Chasing Bono into a witty comedy of reconciliation and acceptance.
‘They captured my heart, engaged my mind & punched me in the gut’: In Praise of Theatre in 2018
In my round-up of theatre in 2017, I warned 2018 that it had “big shoes to fill”. Not only did 2018 not need the door to be opened, but it also didn’t even need anyone to hold its coat.
WATCH: Who are the doppelgangers of the cast & director of Chasing Bono?
Soho Theatre’s alternative Christmas show is the world premiere of Ian La Frenais and Dick Clement’s new stage play Chasing Bono based on Neil McCormick’s memoir I Was Bono’s Doppelganger. Here’s a Throwback Thursday watch: video interviews with director Gordon Anderson and members of the cast. Who are their doppelgangers? Time to get booking!
‘Reflective & thoughtfully funny piece of theatre’: CHASING BONO – Soho Theatre ★★★★
“It sounds like a fecking dog biscuit,” a young Neil McCormick responds to the news that his friend Paul Hewson is changing his name to Bono in this hilarious but touching new play by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais – just one moment that highlights the level of competitiveness and disillusionment the character feels going up against a little band called U2.
Chasing Bono Q&A videos: Terri lobbies for a ‘Finding God’ song release
My final post-show Q&A of the year, to the stage premiere of Chasing Bono, was an absolute Irish corker! After a revealing discussion about the fine line between success and failure and the perils of fame, it ended with an impromptu song performance.
FEATURED SHOW: Chasing Bono at Soho Theatre, ★★★★★ reviews are in!
Neil McCormick’s real-life story of failure has been transformed into a stage success. Critics are raving about Ian La Frenais and Dick Clement’s “brilliantly funny” stage adaptation of Chasing Bono, based on McCormick’s memoir I Was Bono’s Doppelganger. We’ve rounded up our favourite review highlights below. Time to get booking!
‘Packed with cracking Irish humour & good performances’: CHASING BONO – Soho Theatre ★★★★
Neil McCormick’s autobiography has now been turned into an engaging new musical play, Chasing Bono, which has opened at London’s Soho Theatre.
‘Inspiring, beautifully told & full of heart’: CHASING BONO – Soho Theatre
Chasing Bono is inspiring, beautifully told and full of heart. Inspired programming and highly recommended.
PHOTOS: Did you see who turned up for Chasing Bono’s stage premiere?
Rave reviews are already pouring in for Ian La Frenais and Dick Clement’s “brilliantly funny” stage adaptation of Chasing Bono, based on Neil McCormick’s memoir I Was Bono’s Doppelganger. We’ll be rounding up review highlights soon, but first, did you see the rock stars and other celebs who turned up for last night’s opening?! Time to get booking!
‘Perhaps the sweetest piece of new drama to hit London this year’: CHASING BONO – Soho Theatre ★★★★★
In another example of London’s fringe theatre at its unmissable finest, Chasing Bono at Soho Theatre offers an evening of flawless entertainment.
New post-show Q&A: Join Terri for rock ‘n’ roll comedy Chasing Bono
As part of her ongoing post-show Q&A series, after the matinee next Saturday 15 December 2018, Mates co-founder Terri Paddock returns to Soho Theatre for the world premiere of new rock ‘n’ roll comedy Chasing Bono. Got any questions?
What’s Debbie looking forward to in December 2018?
Opening in London this month is the transfer of the NT’s Nine Night (now at Trafalgar Studios), Jailbirds at the Etcetera Theatre, Pinocchio at The Albany, One For The Road at the Rosemary Branch, Orpheus at Battersea Arts Centre and Pinter 5 & 6 will arrive at the Harold Pinter Theatre.
WATCH: When the writer’s in the room & you’re playing him… in Chasing Bono
What do as an actor when the writer’s in the room… and you’re playing him? Ian La Frenais and Dick Clement’s new stage play Chasing Bono is based on I Was Bono’s Doppelganger, the memoir written by now-music critic Neil McCormick, who’s been closely involved in the production. Young Irish singer-songwriter Niall McNamee plays Neil onstage. Awkward? Watch our video interviews with both to find out. Time to get booking!
From the rehearsal room: Watch our interview with Chasing Bono writers Ian La Frenais & Dick Clement
There was an explosion of green at the start of rehearsals for the world premiere of Chasing Bono, Ian La Frenais and Dick Clement’s new play based on Neil McCormick’s memoir about his rivalry with his childhood friend turned global superstar, Bono. Green for the luck of the Irish or green with envy? Take a sneak peek into the rehearsal room with our gallery and new video interview with the renowned writing partners. Time to get booking!
NEWS: Edinburgh Comedy winner Ciaran Dowd joins Chasing Bono premiere, Full cast announced
Soho Theatre has announced casting for the world premiere of Chasing Bono, Ian La Frenais and Dick Clement’s new play based on Neil McCormick’s memoir about his rivalry with his childhood friend turned global superstar, Bono. The cast includes Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Ciaran Dowd, simultaneously appearing at Soho Upstairs in his stand-up hit Don Rodolfo. Time to get booking!
NEWS: Clement & La Frenais adapt Telegraph music critic’s memoir, Chasing Bono premieres at Soho Theatre
Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais – the writing partnership behind screen hits including The Likely Lads, Porridge and The Commitments – have adapted Telegraph music critic Neil McCormick’s memoir I was Bono’s Doppelganger as a major new stage comedy, premiering at London’s Soho Theatre next month.