Harvey, the much-loved classic film starring Jimmy Stewart (It’s A Wonderful Life), is coming to the stage. The story of Elwood P. James, a wealthy local eccentric whose best friend is a six foot three and a half inch tall white rabbit named Harvey, sounds rather silly. However, it is a very warm tale with sympathetic, likeable characters, the antagonist being the system that cannot tolerate idiosyncrasies rather than an individual.
The theatre was Harvey’s original home, with the play by Mary Chase impressing on Broadway in 1945 and winning the Pulitzer Prize. The play beat Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie as its feel good nature was considered more necessary for the American public than Williams’ examination of memory. Indeed, Harvey was written in order to cheer up a friend of Chase’s whose son died in WW2. A few years later the story was immortalised on the silver screen.
Director Lindsay Posner's production arrives on the West End after garnering praise on a regional tour. The show captures the warmth and humour evident on screen, starring Olivier Award winning James Dreyfus (Notting Hill, Gimme Gimme Gimme) as Elwood, filling Stewart’s shoes with a broad smile and plenty of charm, and Maureen Lipman as his sister, whose quick wit and sharp delivery distinguishes her from the film’s more erratic portrayal. Whether you are already a fan of the film or not, this is a rare opportunity to see Harvey brought to life on stage.
The theatre was Harvey’s original home, with the play by Mary Chase impressing on Broadway in 1945 and winning the Pulitzer Prize. The play beat Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie as its feel good nature was considered more necessary for the American public than Williams’ examination of memory. Indeed, Harvey was written in order to cheer up a friend of Chase’s whose son died in WW2. A few years later the story was immortalised on the silver screen.
Director Lindsay Posner's production arrives on the West End after garnering praise on a regional tour. The show captures the warmth and humour evident on screen, starring Olivier Award winning James Dreyfus (Notting Hill, Gimme Gimme Gimme) as Elwood, filling Stewart’s shoes with a broad smile and plenty of charm, and Maureen Lipman as his sister, whose quick wit and sharp delivery distinguishes her from the film’s more erratic portrayal. Whether you are already a fan of the film or not, this is a rare opportunity to see Harvey brought to life on stage.
| What | Harvey, Theatre Royal Haymarket |
| Where | Theatre Royal Haymarket, 18 Suffolk Street, London, SW1Y 4HT | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Piccadilly Circus (underground) |
| When |
18 Mar 15 – 02 May 15, 7:30 PM – 9:50 PM |
| Price | £16.50 - £79 |
| Website | Click here to book via Theatre Royal Haymarket |
