After The Dance Tickets

Nancy Carroll leads the cast in a new staging of Terence Rattigan’s “After the Dance”, which is set to be directed by Thea Sharrock on the Lyttelton stage of the National Theatre this June. A story of 20s socialites drinking the night away as the world hurtles towards chaos has captivated audiences since it was first staged in 1939 and is likely to be a popular addition to the theatrical landscape of the capital when it appears in 2010.

Rattigan was regularly celebrated during his time as the most important British playwright of the twentieth century. His plays were often noted for their focus on the upper middle classes and with “After the Dance”, he managed to unmask the hedonistic lifestyle of a generation facing destruction. His other plays include the likes of “Flare Path”, “The Browning Version”, “French without Tears”, “Separate Tables” and “The Winslow Boys”, which have all contributed to a lasting celebration of his output.

When his work appears at the National Theatre, it will be seen through the eyes of their regular director Thea Sharrock, who returns following her efforts directing the likes of “The Emperor Jones” and “Happy Now?” for the venue, with work in the rest of the capital that includes “A Voyage Round My Father” and “Equus”, plus “Free” for the Loft Theatre.

In “After the Dance”, we observe a generation that knows only how to party as the world around them seeks to tear itself apart. It is a period between two world wars when conflict is on the horizon and the financial system is about the crumble, but despite this the drinks keep on coming as Mayfair socialites party the night away. Amongst them is David, who continues to obsessively research a book that will never see the light of day, with only Helen able to save him from himself. But with this his marriage could be in trouble as some hidden truths are unveiled.

Nancy Carroll appears in the production having made a name for herself with films such as “Iris” and television productions like “Midsomer Murders”, “Cambridge Spies” and “Dalziel and Pascoe”. She is no stranger to the National Theatre having appeared in their productions such as “The Enchantment”, “The Man of Mode” and “The False Servant”. In addition to these she has also worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company in the likes of “Twelfth Night”, “The Winter’s Tales” and “As You Like It”.

After the Dance appears on the Lyttelton stage of the National Theatre from Tuesday 8th June 2010 (previews from Tuesday 1st June 2010) until Sunday 20th June 2010.