The Mythmakers: performance of play of Scott's relationship with J M Barrie
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Scott of the Antarctic, well known for his tragic end, is saluted by almost every paper in the country as we approach the centenary of his death. There will be more interest at the time of the memorial service in St Paul’s on 29th March. But the stories published are mostly the same: the failed hero and his untimely death with his team. Is there a more human story about Scott? Yes there is.
One of his closest friends was the most celebrated writer and playwright of his day, J.M. Barrie, famous for Peter Pan. They were so fascinated by each other that when they first met, they spent the whole night walking and talking from Barrie’s house to Scott’s, then to Barrie’s, then back again… They seem to have greatly enhanced each other’s lives, and they each longed for the life of the other. Yet their story was tinged with tragedy because they fell out over something just before Scott left for the Antarctic, and they never saw each other again. What came between them? What had obsessed each about the other? Why did Scott become the hero when he had reached the pole second?
This a story with charm, poignancy, and many surprises. There are reflections on the natures of explorers and writers, intimacy, courage, destiny, fear, failure and fame, death and inspiration. Scott was indeed a good travel writer, and there is even a revelation of the early effect of global warming. This full-length play for two actors has been developed by two playwrights following new research, and there are new insights into both Barrie and his friend Scott, who come alive as private men.
All this is answered and celebrated in a new play, The Mythmakers, which will be previewed on 25th March, 3:00 and 7:30 PM at the Charing Cross Theatre, the arches, Villiers Street, WC2N 6 NL, 2
Actors are Jonathan Hansler (Best actor Fringe Report Awards, nominated best actor in Off West End Awards, both 2011,) and Steve Hay. Directed by Kenneth Michaels. Written by Rose MacLennan Craig and Richard White.
The Mythmakers
Charing Cross Theatre, the Arches, Villiers Street, London WC2N 6NL
Box office 020-7907 7075 www.charingcrosstheatre.co.uk
Sunday 18th March 2012 7:30 PM and Sunday 25th March 3:00 and 7:30 PM
Tickets £15 & £12 concessions
Produced by Celtic Circle
www.celticcircle.co.uk
Enquiries Richard White 07768-688 208 richardwhite@homecall.co.uk