A wildly funny new musical will take a peek through the bushes to discover and celebrate Vauxhall’s history as a hedonistic playground. Written by Glenn Chandler with music by Charles Miller, The Pleasure Garden will play at Above The Stag Theatre, a stone’s throw from the historic park where its story is set.
For two centuries, the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens drew enormous crowds for its circus acts, balloon rides, orchestral concerts and spectacular fireworks. For those in the know, however, the darker paths, wooded corners and intimate arbours were used for more illicit and illegal entertainments. But now it’s 1850 and the gardens are in their dying days. Yet still the faithful come…
Tom Reckless, a handsome young gardener, is torn between the affections of a hopelessly romantic shipping clerk and a sexually voracious aristocratic couple. With the gardens closing and his livelihood under threat, will Tom choose a bohemian life with Ralph; employment with the unorthodox Lord and Lady Lovelock; or answer the drumbeat of a looming overseas war?
Direction is by Fenton Gray, whose credits include Cinderella starring Mickey Rooney, Julian Clary’s Off-Broadway one-man-show Amore, The Mikado at The Royal Festival Hall, and numerous operas including Madam Butterfly, Carmen and Turandot.
Musical Direction is by seven times Off West End Award nominee Aaron Clingham, with choreography by Carole Todd. Set and costumes are designed by David Shields (Heathers The Musical, West End). Lighting is by Jack Wills.
The cast includes Sam Baumal as Tom Reckless, Jay Worley as Ralph Pottinger, Jonathan Harlaw as Albert, Rory-Charlie Campbell as Lord Roger Lovelock, Alshleigh Harvey as Lady Maude Lovelock, Bea Amora Wong as Princess Saura, Jennie Jacobs as Captain Antrobus and Steve Watts as The Hermit.
The Pleasure Garden is at Above The Stag Theatre 15th September to 17th October. Tickets are on sale here.
