Red Tickets

So, is it a play about a colour? Not really, Red is a play about a series of paintings that were primarily done in shades of red and brown. They were called the Seagram Murals and were the focus of some controversy in American in the 1950s and 60s – the artist, Mark Rothko, refused to finish the commission given to him for a new restaurant, The Four Seasons. The play is actually more about Rothko’s life, a two-hander between himself and his young assistant.

And it’s directed by Michael Grandage? He’s a big-name theatre director! He is indeed! He was the Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse for ten years, leaving in 2012 to set up his own company (unsurprisingly called the Michael Grandage Company). He took over the Noel Coward for about 18 months and put on five plays for his first season, one of which was written by John Logan, who also wrote Red.

Logan and Grandage have worked together before then? Absolutely – in fact, this production of Red is a revival. The original production opened at the Donmar Warehouse in 2009, with Grandage directing. It then transferred to Broadway and in 2010 won six Tony Awards, the most accolades ever won for a play. Grandage walked away with Best Director, the show itself won Best New Play and the leading actor, Eddie Redmayne, won Best Featured Actor in a Play, for his performance as the assistant.

Are there any other people from the original cast in this revival production? Yes, there are. This revival stars Alfred Molina reprising his role as Mark Rothko, which he originated back in 2009. But no Redmayne this time, instead it’s Alfred Enoch, best know for his screen work in the Harry Potter films (as Dean Thomas) and in How To Get Away With Murder.

Grandage has worked with some big names! That’s not the half of it! The Michael Grandage Company has worked with the likes of Ben Whishaw, Jude Law, Nicole Kidman and Dame Judi Dench, all who have performed on the West End since the company was founded in 2012. It makes sense since Grandage himself has won Olivier Awards, Tony Awards, Critics’ Circle Awards, WhatsOnStage Awards and Evening Standard Awards for his work over the last 17 years. He’s definitely one of the stalwarts of the theatrical scene.

Red is only on for 11 weeks though, with previews starting from 4 May 2018. Not long to catch this genius theatre company in action! Never fear though, another production by the Michael Grandage Company is running on the West End at the same time – The Lieutenant of Inishmore at Noel Coward Theatre – so you have two chances to catch the master at work!