This production began performances on 7th May and closed on 23rd August 2003.
There are mysterious newcomers in town: the dark, intense Ponza; his seemingly shy, rather eccentric mother-in-law Signora Frola; and his reclusive young wife. No one understands their bizarre living arrangements. Everyone has a different theory as to the truth - and no one will countenance any other explanation. No one that is, except for the wry and elegant Laudisi. He mischievously offers to establish the truth - and takes delight in his gossiping neighbours' growing frustration as the answers continue to elude them...
A brand new version by Martin Sherman of Luigi Pirandello's classic comedy Cosi e (se vi pare!), ABSOLUTELY! (Perhaps) offers theatregoers a unique opportunity to see the work of one of the world's greatest living directors. Franco Zeffirelli's outstanding achievements in world theatre, film and opera span almost half a century and are simply legendary.
Directing in London's West End for the first time in 25 years, Zeffirelli has assembled an all-star cast of exceptional quality. This new production also reunites Zeffirelli with leading British actress Joan Plowright - a partnership that has yielded success on both stage and screen, with highlights such as Saturday, Sunday, and Monday; Filumena and Tea with Mussolini.
CAST
OLIVER FORD DAVIES – Lamberto Laudisi
JOAN PLOWRIGHT – Signora Frola
DARRELL D'SILVA – Signor Ponza
HILARY TONES – Signora Ponza
BARRY STANTON – Councillor Agazzi
LIZA TARBUCK – Signora Amalia
SIAN BROOKE – Dina
ANNA CARTERET – Signora Sirelli
GAWN GRAINGER – Signor Sirelli
JEFFRY EICKHAM – The Mayor
FRED RIDGEWAY – The Inspector
BRID BRENNAN – Signora Cini
LOLLY SUSI – Signora Nenni
TIMOTHY BATESON – Salvatore
CREATIVES
MARTIN SHERMAN – Version Writer
FRANCO ZEFFIRELLI – Director and Set Designer
RAIMONDA GAETANI – Costume Designer
ANDREW BRIDGE – Lighting Designer
JOHN LEONARD – Sound Designer
JAREMY SAMS – Music and Musical Arrangements
LISA MAKIN – Casting Director
MICHAEL GIELETA – Resident Director