Innovative young Theatre Company Defillibrator impressed with sellout season of 'The Hotel Plays' by Tennessee Williams staged in the surroundings of the Langham Hotel. Now, they are back at the same venue with a new site specific show that dramatises the hotel's history to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Langham. It promises something fresh and different, in a sophisticated and intimate setting.
The Armour brings three separate moments, from 2015, 1973 and 1871, to life in the intimacy of different hotel suites. The audience follow the play, physically and emotionally. First it's a present day popstar played, aptly, by S Club 7 singer Hannah Spearritt, who is seeking solace from the super fans. Then, leaving the noughties nostalgia behind, the theatrical experience swings back to 1973, where our protagonist is struggling between professional and personal choices. Finally, the end takes you right back to before the hotel's beginning, with a dramatic moment for Napolean III in 1871.
Without ruining the show's surprises, playwright Ben Ellis weaves the trio of dramas together with elegance, keeping the audience fully absorbed throughout.The Armour interacts with its setting in terms of the historical relevance of the stories to their surroundings. And the broader themes that resonate across each segment - intimacy, elegance and authority -- illuminate the hotel setting.
The experience doesn't stop with the show: the Langham hotel is host to a new, pop-up secret bar, built especially for the play so you can install yourself on set and enjoy a drink afterwards within the show stopping space.
The Armour brings three separate moments, from 2015, 1973 and 1871, to life in the intimacy of different hotel suites. The audience follow the play, physically and emotionally. First it's a present day popstar played, aptly, by S Club 7 singer Hannah Spearritt, who is seeking solace from the super fans. Then, leaving the noughties nostalgia behind, the theatrical experience swings back to 1973, where our protagonist is struggling between professional and personal choices. Finally, the end takes you right back to before the hotel's beginning, with a dramatic moment for Napolean III in 1871.
Without ruining the show's surprises, playwright Ben Ellis weaves the trio of dramas together with elegance, keeping the audience fully absorbed throughout.The Armour interacts with its setting in terms of the historical relevance of the stories to their surroundings. And the broader themes that resonate across each segment - intimacy, elegance and authority -- illuminate the hotel setting.
The experience doesn't stop with the show: the Langham hotel is host to a new, pop-up secret bar, built especially for the play so you can install yourself on set and enjoy a drink afterwards within the show stopping space.
Running Time: 90 minutes
| What | The Armour, Langham Hotel |
| Where | The Langham, Regent Street, , London, W1B 1JA | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Oxford Circus (underground) |
| When |
03 Mar 15 – 04 Apr 15, Performances at 7pm, 7:30pm and 8pm |
| Price | £29.50 - £36.50 |
| Website | Book via Defibrillator Theatre here |
