LEND ME A TENOR
Lend Me a Tenor is a musical comedy by Ken Ludwig. It takes place in the 1930s when the famous tenor Tito Merelli (known as "Il Stupendo”) is scheduled to sing the lead in Otello.
Matthew Kelly (Henry Saunders general manager of the opera), Michael Matus (Tito), Damian Humbley (Max) and Sophie-Louise Dann (prima donna Diana Divane) are all reprising their performances from Plymouth where Lend Me A Tenor ran from 24th September to 6th October last year. New cast members include Joanna Riding as Maria and Cassidy Janson as Maggie.
Other cast members include: Gay Soper, Jane Quinn and Michelle Bishop as the "Ladies of the Opera Guild".
The company also features Jemma Alexander, Karen Aspinall, Natasha J. Barnes, Nick Butcher, Kelly Chinery, Sharon Eckman, Daniel Farrow, Andrew Keelan, Kara Lane, Connor McAllister, Haydn Oakley, Stephen Oliver-Webb, Ryan Pidgen, Jeremy Secomb, Emma Sewell, John Stacey, Robert Traynor and Michelle White.
The opera is being produced as a gala fundraiser for the Cleveland Opera Company but before the star leaves his hotel room things start to go wrong.
Merelli's wife mistakes an autograph-seeker hidden in his closet for a secret lover and leaves him a "Dear John" letter. To calm him down Merelli is accidentally given a double dose of tranquilizers and he passes out. The opera company’s manager is determined that the show will go on (for financial reason) so he asks his assistant Max to impersonate the opera star.
Max blacks up his face for the role of Otello and all seems to be going fine until Merelli (also with a black face wakes up and heads for the stage).
This triggers off a chain of mishaps including mistaken identity, double entendres, innuendoes and farcical entrances and exits.
THIS PRODUCTION CLOSED ON SATURDAY 6TH AUGUST 2011
HOW TO GET TO LEND ME A TENOR
Gielgud Theatre
Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6AR
Click on map for detailed image
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Tube : Piccadilly Circus (250m) & Charing Cross (550m) Train: Charing Cross ( 550m) |
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14, 19, 38 |
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NCPs at Wardour St, Newport Place, Denman St, Lexington St - 2 spaces for blue badge holders in Archer Street. MasterPark at Poland Street and China Town |
DISABLED ACCESS TO LEND ME A TENOR
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Hearing-Impaired infra-red system in the auditorium and induction loop at Box Office. Infra-red system with 14 headsets. The best reception is in the front area of all levels of the auditorium. Induction loop at the Box Office |
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Guide dogs are permitted inside the auditorium |
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Entrance to the auditorium is through the third side exit door on Rupert Street. Ask a member of staff to open this for you. One 12cm step up to the front of the Dress Circle. Venue suitable for scooters. Seats B5 and 30 can be removed to provide 2 spaces for wheelchair users |
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Adapted toilet in foyer near the bar |
