Frinton Summer Theatre will once again welcome an incredible cast of stars from stage and screen to perform during this famous festival of music, theatre and comedy.
As the oldest surviving Summer Repertory Theatre company in England, Frinton Summer Theatre has a long-held reputation for attracting some of the biggest names in the business to perform on the Essex coast during its two-month season of weekly productions.
Leading the high-profile names this summer will be BAFTA-nominated actress Greta Scacchi as she revives her role as Bette Davis in Anton Burge’s sizzling catfight of a play, Bette & Joan.
This incredible story of two Grand Dames of Hollywood deserves two theatrical big hitters, so facing up to Greta’s Bette, acclaimed actor Felicity Dean will play Joan Crawford. Felicity has worked extensively with the RSC and has had a wonderful film career playing opposite Al Pacino and Donald Sutherland among many others.
Running at The McGrigor Hall in Frinton from 8th to 12th August, Bette & Joan is one of six performances making up the Frinton Summer Theatre festival of the arts 2023 season – and they each have their star attractions.
Son of Succession headliner Brian Cox, Alan Cox comes to Frinton to star as Lionel Logue in the opening play of The McGrigor Hall season at Frinton Summer Theatre, The King’s Speech. Alan has had a stunning career including film credits under the directorship of Steven Soderbergh and starring as Dr Watson in Barry Levinson’s production of Young Sherlock Holmes, alongside award-winning stage performances.
You’ll find another son with a famous father in FST’s production of Barefoot in the Park, running from 18th to 22nd July. Jamie Treacher’s dad is EastEnders’ Bill Treacher and like father, like son, Jamie has forged a distinguished career as an actor and editor, including big-screen credits. At Frinton, Jamie plays the lead role of Paul Bratter.
Playing opposite Jamie in this charming comedy will be Olivia Carruthers, a recognisable face from her time in Coronation Street, as well as her roles in Killing Eve and Four Weddings and a Funeral. Olivia has a long list of on-stage successes too and is sure to give a commanding performance as Ethel Banks, the pivotal, overbearing mother figure.
Fresh from appearing as Holly in Philip Barantini’s BAFTA-nominated feature film Boiling Point, Hannah Traylen is set to stun audiences in Frinton as Louie Hopper in the acclaimed play, Folk. Folk, the landmark story of Cecil Sharp is performed at The McGrigor Hall from 25th to 29th July and promises to be the perfect environment for another breathtaking performance from Hannah.
Also set to raise the roof in Frinton this summer is David Ajao. David had very little experience of theatre during his youth, until he took theatre studies alongside a Higher National Diploma. In a few short years he was a revelation, playing both Othello and Pompey at the RSC at just 30 years old. You will not want to miss David’s interpretation of Harry Robinson in The Ladykillers this summer, which runs at The McGrigor Hall from 1st to 5th August.
All evening performances are at 7.30pm with matinee performances at 2.30pm and ticket prices range from £20 to £25 for evening shows and from £18 to £23 for matinees, with a 10% discount if you book every show in the McGrigor Hall season.
To book tickets, visit the Main Box Office at 60 Connaught Avenue or The Little Yellow Hut at The McGrigor Hall. You can also call 01255 775727 or email [email protected].
