After ‘sealing the deal’ with critics and audiences alike during its smash hit West End run, Sam Yates’ unmissable production of one of David Mamet’s greatest and most lauded plays, Glengarry Glen Ross will embark on a nationwide tour in February 2019.
The hard-nosed sales team in this darkly funny classic will visit Milton Keynes from Monday, April 1, 2019.
Taking on the memorable roles of salesmen Shelley ‘The Machine’ Levene and the ruthless Ricky Roma are Mark Benton (Waterloo Road, As You Like It, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Hobson’s Choice) and Olivier award-winning Nigel Harman (EastEnders, A Chorus of Disapproval, Shrek the Musical) respectively, with further casting to be announced in due course.
Lies. Greed. Corruption. It’s business as usual. Set in an office of cut-throat Chicago salesmen. Pitched in a high-stakes competition against each other, four increasingly desperate employees will do anything, legal or otherwise, to sell the most real estate. As time and luck start to run out, the mantra is simple: close the deal and you've won a Cadillac; blow the lead and you're f****d.
Nigel Harman talked Glengarry Glen Ross with Total MK...
It is a cult classic, but how familiar with Glengarry Glen Ross were you before taking on this part?
Pretty familiar. I read it when it first came out, then saw the movie and have seen subsequently two productions – at the Playhouse and the Donmar. I’ve known David Mamet’s writing for a long time and always related to it. He’s unique.
Can you explain what particularly attracted you to the piece?
It was a no brainer. I saw Sam Yates’ production at the Playhouse and loved it, so I think it will be exciting to see it outside of London and bring it other cities. Ricky Roma is a great part.
What do you think will make Ricky Roma so interesting to play?
He’s complicated – he has a fire and a passion. He also lives on his wits and moves at the speed of thought - kind of like an animal. To get out there and just let it flow will be exiting…and scary.
You have an extensive CV brimming with television and stage work. How do you approach each new role?
Slowly. I read it a lot. There will be parts that jump out at you and parts that are different and distant to you, so you turn up the parts that are naturally you and try not to block off anything. If you keep your options open when you walk into the rehearsal room, you still leave room to surprise yourself. That’s what makes something live.
And finally, give us the traditional show plug - why should people take a ticket to see it in Milton Keynes?
It’s one of the great plays from the last 40 years, from one of the greatest living playwrights. It’s fast paced, unrelenting, incredibly funny and, in places, incredibly harrowing. It’s also got a great cast…I hope!
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