Anton Chekhov’s short story is adapted by Mark Giesser for the stage for a Jazz Age reimagining of this bittersweet romantic comedy, The Lady With a Dog, playing the White Bear Theatre in February-March 2018, starring Beth Burrows (Sirens of the Silver Screen, Upstairs at the Gatehouse) and Alan Turkington (RSC).
Damian Granville is a banker and devoted family man with an unconventional way of taking his summer holidays: he travels alone and looks for a woman to seduce. This particular year he spots a beautiful young lady walking a white Pomeranian dog. How can he resist? He’s a skilful player and sure of success. Except Anne Dennis isn’t quite what he bargains for.
Writer/director Mark Giesser has written, produced and directed numerous Equity Off-West End and Off-Broadway shows. His writing work includes satirical drama (Good Morning, Alamo!, 2013) and comedy (Code of the West, 2013 and How To Build a Better Tulip, 2014), and he has directed productions such as the UK premiere of Alan Alda’s drama Radiance, and the 60th anniversary revival of the original stage play of Gigi.
Beth Burrows, who plays Anne, recently played Upstairs at the Gatehouse with her critically acclaimed one-woman show Sirens of the Silver Screen, and performed aboard the ships of Seabourn Cruise Line. Alan Turkington, who plays Damian, has performed with the Donmar on West End and the Royal Shakespeare Company. He has also performed in feature films, including Mary, Queen of Scots; King Arthur—Legend of the Sword; Dad’s Army; and The Man From Uncle, and television including Rellik; X Company; Doctors; Mr Selfridge; and Hollyoaks.
