Deep in the snowbound mountains of Alsace a savage crime remains unsolved. Fifteen years on the assassin, Mathias, is now rich and respected, but tormented by guilt. Driven by desperation to escape detection and consumed by conscience, Mathias hangs suspended between sanity and terror, as nightmarish visions, conjured from the depths of his mind, administer justice. The Bells overwhelmed audiences in 1871 with its sheer passion and tragic force. Sir Henry Irving became an overnight sensation in 1871, starring as 'Mathias' in Leopold Lewis' THE BELLS - a role he continued to play for decades, as actor-manager of The Lyceum Theatre. This will be a fund raising event for Theatre Cares is the UK Theatres response to HIV and AIDS facilitated by Crusaid The evening's festivities will begin with Sir Ian McKellen unveiling an historic plaque by the theatre's main entrance. It will commemorate Irving together with his Acting Manager, Bram Stoker, who wrote DRACULA during his time at the theatre. To mark the centenary of his death, Bacchae Productions have drawn together an incredible cast led by STEVEN BERKOFF to pay tribute to the world's first theatrical knight, by bringing his immortal role back to the theatre where it made him a legend...Remember that, before Irving, actors were considered vagabonds and whores. He was the first actor to be knighted and, as such, he legitimised the theatrical profession. Simon Callow will introduce the evening, followed by a rehearsed reading of The Bells. Mr. Berkoff will be supported by Daniela Denby-Ashe, Cherie Lunghi, Matthew Kelly, Derren Nesbitt, Ian Lavender, Julian Rhind-Tutt and Ron Moody as The Mesmerist. Directed and narrated by Roy Marsden. This will be a fund raising event for Theatre Cares (Theatre Cares is the UK Theatres response to HIV and AIDS facilitated by Crusaid)| 13 Feb 06 | Lyceum Theatre West End, Greater London Performance Details => Venue archive |
