Maureen Lipman who is both a star of screen and stage will reprise her role as Elli in the production of DAYTONA, whilst this show marks her Theatre Royal Haymarket debut, Lipman has starred in numerous West End productions including most recently When We Are Married, A Little Night Music amongst others. Her television credits include Ladies of Letters, Skins, He Kills Coppers, Sensitive Skin, About Face, to name but a few and she has graced our screens in films such as Bridge of Lies, Flight of Fancy, The Pianist, and Educating Rita.
Gripping, funny, poignant and full of mystery, Daytona transports us back to New York in 1986 where Joe and Elli share a love of ballroom dancing and are practising their routines for the next big competition. Despite constant bickering, the love they have shared for nearly fifty years is clear. Then one night, out of the blue, Joe's long-lost brother Billy bursts back into their lives with an extraordinary story to tell.
The much loved Lipman's on stage partner Harry Shearer is also reprising his role of Joe, making his West End stage debut in this production. Shearer may be most recognisable as providing the character voices for The Simpsons since it began in 1987, most notably as Mr Burns, Principle Skinner and Ned Flanders. He also co-created, co-wrote and co-starred as bassist Derek Smalls in the 1984 mockumentary This is Spinal Tap, his other on screen credits include as a cast member and writer of Saturday Night Live and on the silver screen his film work includes The Fisher King, Godzilla and The Truman Show.
Written by actor-turned-playwright Oliver Cotton whose other writing credits include Wet Weather Cover , The Incredible Journey of Sir Francis Younghusband and The Enoch Show clearly has a gift for story telling, within Daytona he weaves a story full of intrigue which captures the audiences imagination. The powerful story is expertly Directed by David Grindley whose more recent UK directing credits include Journey’s End, Kafka’s Dick, and Pygmalion.
Daytona will play from 28 June to 23 August and marks the Theatre Royal Haymarket’s first ever collaboration with an Off West End venue. This will be the sure fire hit of the summer, so book now to avoid disappointment!
Daytona will follow star-studded thriller Fatal Attraction into the theatre when the Trevor Nunn-directed production comes to a close on 21 June.
Posted by Lisa.