Terence Rattigan’s Love in Idleness, a 1944 re-working of his earlier play Less than Kind, a vehicle for the Lunts (Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne), is to receive its first West End revival since its original production when the current Menier Chocolate Factory production transfers to the Apollo Theatre.
It is currently running at the Menier through April 29; it will then resume performances at the Apollo May 11 prior to an official opening May 18, for a run of 50 performances only through July 1.
Produced by Chocolate Factory Productions and Nica Burns, Trevor Nunn directs a cast that comprises Eve Best, Edward Bluemel, Anthony Head, Vivienne Rochester, and Nicola Sloane. Helen George, who is currently appearing in the production at the Menier, is unable to transfer with the production due to prior filming commitments.
In the play, Michael (Bluemel), who is nearly 18, returns to London from Canada after a four-year absence during the Second World War, and is shocked to find his widowed mother Olivia (Best) is now the mistress of cabinet minister Sir John Fletcher (Head), enjoying a comfortable society life.
Set and costume designs are by Stephen Brimson Lewis, with lighting design by Paul Pyant, sound design by Gregory Clarke, and projections by Duncan McLean.
To book tickets, which are on public sale from March 29, contact the box office on 0330 333 4809 or visit menierchocolatefactory.com.
