Tom Conti stars in Wife After Death at Theatre Royal

Tom Conti, one of the UK’s finest comic actors, leads the cast in the world premiere of comedy Wife After Death by Eric Chappell, BAFTA award-winning author of Rising Damp, Home to Roost and Only When I Laugh.

Wife After Death opens at Theatre Royal Brighton on Wednesday 17 March and runs to Saturday 20 March at the start of a 10-date tour of the UK.

The play tells the story of Dave Thursby, a highly successful TV comedian, national treasure, devoted husband, model client for his agent and a staunch friend to his faithful gag writer, Harvey.

But when Dave dies unexpectedly, his close companions are bereft. There's now a huge void in their lives, and, worse still, some of them may be out of a job. Unless, of course, the repeats, television specials, biographies and newspaper tell-alls can fill the vacuum.

As family and friends gather for his funeral, it turns out they know less about him than they thought and a series of revelations uncover some home truths about the popular comedy legend. Choking back the tears and protesting their love for Dave, the mourners set about exploiting his comic legacy for all it is worth.

Eric Chappell understands the ego of comic genius better than most and turns his formidable talents to this rich subject with hilarious effect.

The production is directed by Tom Conti and Tom Kinninmont, designed by Norman Coates and lighting is by Leonard Tucker. Performances are at 7.45pm (Saturday matinee 2.30pm).

Box Office 08448 717 650 (bkg fee)
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Tickets from £13 at www.ambassadortickets.com/brighton