This week the London theatre bloggers discuss Ralph Fiennes in Richard III at the Almeida, Mike Bartlett’s test play Wild at Hampstead and the stage version of Sideways at St James Theatre.
Photos and podcast: Sideways author Rex Pickett and the wine-mad cast
American author Rex Pickett, who has also adapted his original novel for the stage and has been closely involved in this revised version for its European premiere, talked us through the long journey of his semi-autobiographical story’s from page to screen and stage and the trials and tribulations of being a writer in Los Angeles (which he’s long since left, though he still lives in California) at last night’s post-show Q&A, which was nearly as riotous as the no-holds-barred comedy performance that preceded it.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Sideways at the St James Theatre
Rex Pickett’s stage adaptation of his wine-soaked novel, which also became the Oscar-winning 2004 film, received its European premiere this week at the St James Theatre. It’s directed by David Grindley and runs until 9 July 2016. Here is some of what is being said about the show so far:
SIDEWAYS – St James Theatre
A struggling writer has an obsessive interest in wine. I don’t know anyone who could identify with that. When the movie Sideways came out in 2004, the lead character’s preference for Pinot Noir over Merlot actually shifted buying habits in the US and UK.
NEWS: Cast announced for European premiere of Sideways onstage
Daniel Weyman (Miles), Simon Harrison (Jack), Ellie Piercy (Maya), Beth Cordingly (Terra), Anne Kavanagh (Phyllis/Evelyn), Kirsten Hazel Smith (Rosie/Victoria) and Daniel Barry (Chris/Daryl) form the cast for the brand new production of Rex Pickett’s critically acclaimed and much loved novel and play Sideways. Also follow links for details on post-show Q&A hosted by My Theatre Mates’ co-founder Terri Paddock…
NEWS: Wine lovers’ comedy Sideways gets UK premiere at St James, 31 May
A brand new production of Rex Pickett’s critically acclaimed and much loved novel and play Sideways will open at the St James Theatre for its UK and European premiere, directed by David Grindley (Daytona, Journey’s End, The American Plan). Sideways has a limited run from 26 May until 9 July 2016, with press night on 31 May and the full cast and creative team will be announced in due course.