Dame Maureen Lipman Will Return to the West End in ALLEGRA
Peter Quilter's new comedy will play the Pinter Theatre, directed by Olivier winner Stephen Mear.
Following a tour across the UK, national treasure Dame Maureen Lipman will return to the West End in Allegra, the new comedy by two-time Olivier Award nominated playwright Peter Quilter. Performances will run Wednesday 8 July - Saturday 8 August.
Following her acclaimed performance in Rose in the West End in 2023, Dame Maureen now returns in triumph leading this joyful heartwarming comedy. The production reunites Dame Maureen with three-time Olivier Award winning Director/Choreographer Stephen Mear 28 years after they first worked together on The National Theatre's acclaimed production of Oklahoma!
The cast also features John Middleton (Emmerdale), Elizabeth Bower (Trollied) and Bailey Patrick (London Kills).
Allegra (Maureen Lipman) is full of joy. So much of it that she cannot stop herself from bursting into song. At home, in the street, even in shops and restaurants. Sometimes the music is only a fantasy in her head. But at other times, it results in a loud and disruptive performance that causes chaos in the village where she lives. Allegra's brother, Ronen, and her carer, Anna, must somehow control her eccentricities and avoid angry visits by the local policeman. But is this possible without destroying the great happiness that fills Allegra's heart?
Allegra is a moving comedy with spectacular song and dance sequences, but is also a touching and emotional examination of how, sometimes, the most beautiful of minds can start to disappear.
Dame Maureen said: “To find a comedy which can turn our current face of gloom into an upturned grin of happiness, is rare. Allegra is about a woman who is relentlessly upbeat - in more ways than one. Ibsen it isn't."
Peter Quilter said: “Maureen is one of the great theatrical treasures of this country, and to have her bring Allegra to life is a joy and an honour.”
Producer Thomas Hopkins said: “Working again with Maureen after the remarkable West End success of Rose is an absolute privilege. Bringing this joyful show in London's West End is the gift we all need.”
Videos
