Terrific news – Frank and Percy transfers to The Other Palace in London! The play made its critically acclaimed premiere in June at Theatre Royal Windsor directed by Sean Mathias, before transferring to the Royal Theatre Bath and now The Other Palace for a limited season.
Penned by Ben Weatherill, Frank and Percy is a poignant, humorous, and somewhat bittersweet story about an unexpected friendship that blossoms into a relationship between two lonely men – played by Ian McKellen and Roger Allam – who meet while walking their dogs. The play is directed by Sean Matthias and designed by Morgan Large, with lighting design by Nick Richings and sound design by Andy Graham.
Remarkably, this production marks the launch of a new writing development fund at The Other Palace: 50p from each ticket sold on all future productions in the main house will from now on be used to fund new writing and emerging playwrights.
The Other Palace owner and producer Bill Kenwright elaborates: “In welcoming Ian and Roger to our theatre we are also thrilled to use this limited London run at The Other Palace to launch our new development levy, to enable us to build upon MT Fest, our Musical Bites lunchtime series and Making a Musical podcast to provide further paid opportunities to develop the next generation of theatre makers and writers.” Paul Taylor-Mills, artistic director at the Other Palace says: “We are very excited to be welcoming two of the biggest stars of British Theatre to The Other Palace for this limited run. Between Ian and Roger, they represent the breadth and range of British theatre, from plays to musicals, demonstrating why London is the heart of the theatrical world.” Director Sean Mathias adds: “I cannot believe my luck in finding this charming and original new play. Frank and Percy‘s Ben Weatherill is a true young talent in theatre. To have reunited Ian and Roger after almost 20 years since we all did Aladdin together at the Old Vic is a real coup. Frank and Percy explores the fragility and joy of relationships, and what forges and strengthens bonds between humans, at a time when more than ever, we all need to love and support one another.”
Evening Standard Theatre Podcast dedicated an episode to a wide-ranging interview with Ian McKellen and Roger Allam, to promote Frank and Percy‘s run at The Other Palace.
Frank and Percy runs from 8 September to 3 December 2023. Get your ticket here.
Reviews from Windsor and Bath || Website article || ITV || Chris Evans Breakfast Show || BBC The One Show || Dermot O’ Leary || What’s On Stage interview || Ben Weatherill interview || Buy the script || Pictures