Macklin: Method and Madness

Macklin: Method and Madness

By Gary Jermyn and Michael James Ford

An historical comedy about the strolling player from Donegal who survived a murder charge to become a giant of the London stage.

Special London performance at St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden, Charles Macklin’s burial place. Friday, November 20th, 2015.

Doors open 6.45pm, Performance starts at 7.30 pm

Tickets: £15 Booking: Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/macklin-method-and-madness-tickets-19243765621

It is February 1941. London is being ravaged by the Blitz.

In the basement of the BBC, a radio play is about to be broadcast to celebrate the life of the legendary 18th century actor, Charles Macklin, who rose from humble origins in Donegal to a triumphant career on the London stage. Quarrelsome and hot-tempered, Macklin was dogged by controversy, including an infamous backstage killing.

Valentine’s Day, 1941, marks the bicentenary of Macklin’s greatest success - his debut as Shylock in The Merchant of Venice. His performance was the sensation of the age and thrilled and terrified royalty and commoners alike. “ This was the Jew that Shakespeare drew“ declared Alexander Pope, and for 50 years Macklin made the role his own.

On this anniversary night, despite the air raid warnings, the show must go on.

Macklin: Method and Madness is written and performed by Gary Jermyn and Michael James Ford, with a guest appearance by Elliot Moriarty as The Producer.

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