Guildford Fringe Theatre Company brings another show to the heart of Guildford with their rendition of the acclaimed American musical John and Jen. This moving production will be the company’s first of 2014 and is to be staged at their home in The Back Room of The Star Inn.
Written by Andrew Lippa and Tom Greenwald, the show opened Off-Broadway in 1995 to rave reviews and this staging, from 7-17 May at The Back Room of The Star Inn, will offer a rare chance to see this little-performed modern classic.
John and Jen is a two-hander, meaning that there are only two central characters at any one time in the story and their relationship is explored throughout the duration. In this instance, the story follows the funny, tender and moving relationship between a brother and a sister and then subsequently, a mother and a son.
And, in somewhat of a coup for local drama, two acclaimed actors are joining Guildford Fringe Theatre Company to take on the eponymous roles. Martin Neely, whose previous work has included Les Miserables (West End) and Mary Poppins (UK Tour) will be playing John, while Jessica Sherman, whose previous work includes Lend Me A Tenor (Vienna) and Batman Live (World Arena Tour), will play the role of Jen.
Guildford Fringe Theatre Company Artistic Director Nick Wyschna, who will also take the director’s chair for this production has said, “I’m honoured to have such a high calibre of actors agreeing to work with Guildford Fringe. Not only is the show beautiful, but we also have a cast that can lift words off the page effortlessly and turn them into the most exciting piece of theatre.”
Guildford Fringe are a multi-faceted theatre company that have brought plenty of shows to Guildford over the past couple of years, such as The Blue Moon Revue at Bar des Arts, Kick Back Comedy at The Star Inn and the Guildford Fringe Festival which promises to be bigger and better than ever this year. So those looking to grab a ticket can pop down to the Tourist Information Centre, on Guildford High Street Guildford, by phoning on 0844 8700 887 or by booking online HERE. Book now to avoid disappointment as the production is sure to be popular amongst locals!
James Martin