Pictured: Patsy Ferran as Alma and Matthew Neeham as John in the Almeida run of Summer and Smoke.
- Summer and Smoke was written by theatre legend Tennessee Williams.
Of course Tennessee Williams is one of the huge draws of this show. The man is considered one of the foremost playwrights of the twentieth century. Though you maybe be more familiar with shows like A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof or The Glass Menagerie, Tennessee Williams himself once wrote in a letter, “in a way I love it [Summer and Smoke] best of all my plays.” and if you can’t trust Tennessee Williams, who can you trust? - The production brings new life and urgency to an often neglected play.
Rebecca Frecknall’s production of Summer and Smoke brings Tennessee Williams’ text to life. It is staged using open pianos bordering the stage which the cast use to wind Angus MacRae’s brilliant score into the play. Frecknall’s revival of this often forgotten Williams gem is winning over audiences and critics alike. - The eleven 5-star reviews for Summer and Smoke at the Almeida.
The Almeida run of Summer and Smoke absolutely blew the critics away. It garnered top notch reviews from more than a dozen major publications. The critics praised the production as a whole, its staging and direction, the music and the cast- in particular leading lady Patsy Ferran. - Rising star Patsy Ferran leads the cast.
Patsy Ferran has been making a name for herself since shortly before her graduation from RADA in 2014. She made her West End debut in Blithe Spirit at the Gielgud Theatre. The production starred Angela Lansbury and Ferran’s depiction of Edith, the scatty housemaid, was said to be scene-stealing. She went on to star in the National Theatre’s production of Treasure Island and to work with the Royal Shakespeare Company. She has also recently been appeared in multiple television and film roles. As star of Summer and Smoke Ferran embodies neurotic, repressed southern belle Alma. The Guardian said, her performance “proves she is one of Britain’s most exciting actors”, while the Independent described her as “ an absolute marvel”, saying the role “confirms Ferran as one of our finest actresses”. - An unmissable exclusive offer on Summer and Smoke tickets.
And if you still need a reason to see Summer and Smoke at the Duke of York’s Theatre, what about our exclusive offer on tickets? For performances through 1 December you can snag tickets for under £20. Head over to our show page to see full offer details and grab your discounted tickets while they’re still available!