This month, Adrian Lester will reprise his award-winning performance as Lolita Chakrabarti’s debut play Red Velvet returns to the Tricycle theatre for a limited run before it transfers to New York. Lester won best actor at the Evening Standard and Critics’ Circle awards for his portrayal of a 19th-century actor, who made his reputation playing Shakespeare’s Othello (the role Lester recently played at the National Theatre).
From the Tricycle “Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, 1833. Edmund Kean, the greatest actor of his generation, has collapsed on stage whilst playing Othello. A young black American actor has been asked to take over the role. But as the public riot in the streets over the abolition of slavery, how will the cast, critics and audience react to the revolution taking place in the theatre?”
Most Promising Playwright: Lolita Chakrabarti
(Evening Standard Award & Critics’ Circle Award)
Best Actor: Adrian Lester
(Critics’ Circle Award)
‘A layered and revealing play, superbly acted’
‘Rubasingham’s production glows’
‘Gripping, intelligent and passionate’
‘Fiery and funny in equal measure.’
‘Lester’s Aldridge is wonderfully stirring’
‘Lester beautifully captures the pained dignity and irritation of the ageing, ailing actor.’ .
