What does Succession's Brian Cox have in common with the late, great English actor Albert Finney, Stephen Tompkinson of 'Ballykissangel' fame and the stars of RTE's hit 1990s series 'Bachelors Walk'?
All of them have appeared in 'Art' by Yasmina Reza, now considered as one of the most successful comedies ever and a bone fide modern classic.The good news for local drama fans is that the multi-award winning French play, translated by Christopher Hampton, is on the way to Athlone Little Theatre from March 9 to 16, with a Sunday matinee only on March 10 at 3pm.
In her play revolving around three friends living in Paris, Yasmina Reza asks the question - are you who you think you are, or are you who your friends think you are?
Serge (Ronan Flynn ) has bought a modern painting, a large white canvas for a huge sum of money. Marc (Pat Canty ) hates the painting and cannot believe that a friend of his could possibly want such a work. Yvan (Martin Kelleher ) attempts to placate both sides with hilarious consequences.
Renowned theatre critic Michael Billington called 'Art' sharp, witty and clever, while another reviewer simply said “'Art' makes you laugh. Art makes you question what and how you think".
First premiered in Paris in 1994, 'Art' transferred to London in 1996, and over the following three decades its themes of art as a test of love and friendship have had enduring appeal with audiences.
“Art is a funny and engrossing play. Our three leading actors are going to dazzle you with some French humour and great talent. If you want to see a play about art, friendship and have some laughs, Athlone Little Theatre is the place to be from March 9 to 16,” Hélène Lepaon and Paddy Martin, co-directors, said.
Book your tickets now on www.athlonelittletheatre.ie or via Eventbrite.