Sam Troughton stars in Closer, the Olivier-Award winning cult play of the Hollywood hit film of the same name, written by Patrick Marber and directed by award-winning director Clare Lizzimore.
In a radical new staging by Lizzimore, this uncompromising modern classic explores passion with surgical precision and the cost of risking it all for intimacy.
Twenty-five years after its debut, in a city out of lockdown, the play is as searing today as it ever was in its exploration of love, sex, and the fragility of the human heart.
This 25th anniversary revival of Closer runs at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre from 14 July to 13 August.
You’re starring in Closer at the Lyric Hammersmith, what can you tell us about the play?
Closer follows four strangers in London whose lives collide and intertwine over 4 yrs. The play follows their journeys of the heart as they fall in and out of love with each other.
What was it about Patrick Marber’s script that made you want to be a part of this production?
It was the first time I’d read the play and I was blown away by how honest, beautiful, brutal and funny it was.
What’s surprised you the most about director, Clare Lizzimore’s vision for this production?
Clare was always so clear about how she saw the play as something more epic. Having musicians and a chorus framing and supporting this tight four hander and spinning both those plates was a really exciting prospect.
It’s the 25th anniversary revival, why do you think Closer is still as relevant today as it was when it was first performed?
Men and Women; sexual desire, sexual jealousy and sexual politics. We’ll never get to the end.
You’re playing Larry, what have you enjoyed most about getting to know this character?
The size of Larry’s heart, the damage it takes and the ugliness that that produces.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Closer?
Do it. You will be entertained, challenged, delighted and shocked.
“Having musicians and a chorus framing and supporting this tight four hander and spinning both those plates was a really exciting prospect”
