London Fringe theatre will burst back to life after Lockdown on Monday 3 August with a new socially distanced version of the acclaimed musical ‘Fanny and Stella’ (until 23 August).
A brand new socially distanced open-air production, with Book and Lyrics by Glenn Chandler, the creator of ‘Taggart’, and Music by Charles Miller, will be staged as the premiere production in The Garden Theatre in the recently renovated garden of The Eagle, 349 Kennington Lane, London, SE11 (nearest tube/train: Vauxhall)
This hugely entertaining, relentlessly entertaining romp is based on bizarre events and real characters in Victorian London.
Ernest Boulton and Frederick William Park were two young men who, in 1871, were put on trial in London for dressing as women and conspiracy to commit sodomy, a felony at the time. They dressed up as women (and were very good at it) for amateur theatricals, but when the show was over, and sometimes when there wasn’t even any show, as ‘Fanny and Stella’ they would frequent places of entertainment in the West End where men encountered men for sex and male prostitutes plied their trade.
Park and Boulton were acquitted – an amazing victory for the time when sexual acts between men carried a sentence of two years – primarily because conspiracy could not be proved. Or perhaps it was because one had a father who was a judge, and the other a mother who swayed the court with her tears. Upon their acquittal, Park and Boulton – as Fanny and Stella – along with their theatre company, take their story on the road. They hire a venue for “one night only” to tell their amazing true story of their lives, their trial, and their sensational acquittal. But are they in an ungiving age putting themselves on trial a second time?
Cast: Jed Berry as Ernest Boulton/Stella and Kane Verrall as Frederick William Park/Fanny. Further casting to be announced.
“Fanny & Stella is a riotous new play about two young men who dared to be different, whatever the cost. It’s funny, with catchy songs and is not only a great night out but a story of history which will want you to put on your bloomers and go out to celebrate. Just stay away from any sodomy on the Strand.” REVIEW: Fanny & Stella (Above the Stag, 2015) ★★★★
Doors will open 30mins before the performance.
The performance is 80mins (approx) without an interval.
The Garden Theatre at The Eagle will follow Government guidelines in its operations.
Social Distancing is in place with seat allocations by the theatre staff.
Drinks orders may be taken via the Eagle London app and a table service is in operation.
All audience members must wear face masks or coverings during the performance.
