This October, a brand-new play for the whole family is coming to the heart of London – Mr Moore’s Bizarre Secret Society
Mr Moore’s Bizarre Secret Society, performing at the Bridewell Theatre, tells a story set in the heart of Victorian England, influenced by the stories of Lewis Carroll and Charles Dickens, in a charming production that will delight all ages and remind them of the power of dreams.
The play is directed by Roman Stefanski, who has been Associate Director at the Polka Theatre for over 40 years, and contributed to over 75 family shows including Sarah and Duck and Twirlywoos.
The music is composed by Neil Brand, renowned silent film accompanist described by Mark Kermode as “arguably the country’s greatest silent movie composer”.
The starring role of Mr Moore is played by Michael Bertenshaw, known for The Da Vinci Code and regularly performing as the Pantomime Dame for Theatre Royal Stratford East. Queen Victoria is played by Sarah Finch, renowned for her work with the RSC and in the West End.
This production will also feature the recorded voices of children’s poetry legend Michael Rosen, and renowned actress Linda Bassett, fresh from her critically-acclaimed performance in Care at the Young Vic.
THE STORY
The play is set in the year 1865. The young Leopold has been sent to live with his wretched Uncle Vernon in a Victorian London rife with poverty and cruel punishment. Meanwhile, the elderly Mr Moore has been kicked out of his home by debt collectors, left to a life of destitution on the street.
When Leopold and Mr Moore make a chance encounter, they discover a mysterious disused tearoom in the heart of London. As they bring the tearoom back to its former glory, they discover its secret past, one uniting the misfits and dreamers found in the City… and perhaps even Queen Victoria herself.
The two form their own ‘Bizarre Secret Society’, dedicated to serving wild and wonderful teas, only to find Vernon and the High Court threatening to close it down. Who will win the tea tournament to determine the rightful owner of the tearoom?
“The show is as freshly brewed as a cup of tea,” explains the playwright, Gloria Danili, “with a dash of Victorian charm, a pinch of Dickensian drama, and a sprinkle of Lewis Carroll’s magic. It’s a story about the dreams that unite us all, for romantics, wonder-makers, and pessimists with hope. And for those who believe that imagination is the greatest invention in human history…”
Mr Moore’s Bizarre Secret Society has been produced with the support of the Italian Cultural Institute, the Italian Embassy in London, the Mazzini Garibaldi Foundation, Il Circolo, Comites Londra and the Charles Dickens Museum.
It is presented with the communication partner We Give Digital Services. The show is sponsored by Qubit, who will present the opening night as an exclusive performance to their staff.
