A brand new production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s takes centre stage at the Theatre Royal in Haymarket, with actress Anna Friel stepping into the famous role originally played by screen icon Audrey Hepburn. From September 2009 fans of the original movie, the novella upon which it is based, and newcomers will be able to enjoy the story by Truman Capote that pits a New York writer against the charm and sexual prowess of Holly Golightly.
It may also serve as an inviting stage experience for those who have recently enjoyed the recent production of Waiting For Godot, as it appears at the same venue under the direction of Sean Mathias, fresh from his duties guiding Sir Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart.
Our story takes us back to the New York of the 1940s, where we are introduced to the character of Fred Parsons, a young writer who has travelled to the city from his native Louisiana. It’s a city of dizzying spectacle and big dreams and upon arrival he manages to meet the very charming and irresistible girl in the form of Holly Golightly. It is not long before Fred Parsons follows in the footsteps of every man that has graced her presence and falls madly in love with her. But Fred has a lot of competition and Holly is more in need of a man with lots of money, a stark contrast to the poor lifestyle as a struggling writer. From playboy millionaire Rusty to future leader of Brazil Jose, Fred has his work cut out for him.
With the war in Europe casting a dark shadow over the rest of the world and Holly’s past on the brink of catching up with her, she begins to love him back and this timeless story travels to its satisfying conclusion.
Truman Capote’s story was first seen half a century ago when it appeared in bookshops as a novella. However, it would soon become synonymous with the 1961 movie of the same name in which Fred was brought to life by George Peppard and Holly Golightly became an iconic role for Audrey Hepburn. This stage version takes its cues from the novella, but fans of the movie will be highly familiar with proceedings, making for a truly unforgettable stage experience.
With Anna Friel, star of All For Love and the upcoming The Land of the Lost, in a starring role alongside Milk’s Joseph Cross, this will be another Sean Mathias production to add to the list of must sees.
Breakfast At Tiffany’s is at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from Tuesday 29th September 2009 (previews from Wednesday 9th September 2009) to Saturday 9th January 2010.