The Fantasticks Tickets

There’s a certain form of romantic story that is a staple of plays throughout the ages; one that has been explored by Shakespeare and countless others over the centuries – Forbidden Love.

“The Fantasticks” is no stranger to this tradition, but it turns the conventions upside down when it lands on theatres around the world, presenting a story in which manipulation is at its heart, setting in motion the turbulent love lives of two kids.

Whereas Shakespeare offered us warring families in his hit “Romeo & Juliet”, “The Fantasticks” presents two neighbouring fathers; friends who have concocted a sneaky plan to pair up their children. Rather than lure them to each other in a more traditional way, they simply forbid them from seeing one another, hoping that the idea of a forbidden romance will be too tempting to pass up.

But their children are not going to fall for it and they soon become aware of their fathers’ trickery. So instead of falling into each other’s arms, they decide that they are going to explore the world separately so that one day they can make up their own minds and decide their own destiny. So they set off into the world and experience life alone, taking in all of the things the world has to offer so that one day they can face the decision with a fully informed opinion, one that is not influenced by their fathers.

The Tom Jones and Harry Schmidt musical is said to be loosely inspired by the play “The Romancers” by Edmond Rostand and in addition to numerous changes, employs the use of musical numbers to elevate the story to a whole new height. It means that audiences enjoying the story of “The Fantasticks” will experience songs such as “Soon It’s Gonna Rain”, “Try To Remember”, “Metaphor”, “Never Say No”, “I Can See It”, “Round And Round”, “This Plum Is Too Ripe” and “They Were You”.

“The Fantasticks” is a world famous show that has been seen all over the world and holds the title of the longest running musical that has ever been staged, clocking in a whopping 17,162 performances on the other side of the Atlantic across 42 years from 1960 to 2002. It makes it a perfect addition to the West End musical landscape.

“The Fantasticks” makes its triumphant arrival at the Duchess Theatre from Wednesday 9th June 2010 (with previews from Monday 24th May 2010).