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About the legendary and eternally tipsy matinee idol, John Barrymore. Set in 1942, the wickedly funny once-great classical actor is back on stage struggling uproariously to re-create his famed portrayal of Richard III. But his troubled life intercedes, as Barrymore realises he has enough money to last him for the rest of his life - as long as he dies right now. His drinking and his womanizing have caught up with him: 'My troubles came not from chasing women, but from catching them.' Even the stage manager hired to prompt his rehearsals cannot forbear to heckle the great man as he reminisces with caustic wit, about the triumphs and the disappointments of his illustrious career. Once, when a doctor suggested that he had to quit wine, women and song, Barrymore asked if he had to quit everything at once. 'No, you can taper off.' said the doctor. 'Fine,' said the great man. 'Then I shall give up singing.' Contains occasional strong language.

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Author: William Luce