HAROLD Pinter’s dark and tragic comedy masterpiece The Birthday Party celebrated its 60th anniversary earlier in 2018 and audiences can enjoy the play at Titchfield Festival Theatre.

It's in the Acorn Theatre from Monday November 26 until Saturday December 1.

Pinter was a playwright famous for his love of the absurd and this production will appeal to both his fans and those who are new to his subtle, brilliant writing and strong characterisations. The Birthday Party tells the story of Stanley, supposedly a pianist who lives in Meg and Petey’s rather seedy boarding house, set in the 1950s on the coast. Two sinister strangers – Goldberg and McCann – arrive. Stanley’s birthday party suddenly is turned into a nightmare….

The Birthday Party is directed by Titchfield’s Daniel Fox who said: “I am a big fan of Harold Pinter. The Birthday Party has a dialogue which is very relatable and includes characters that we will find both human and thought-provoking. I love the way in which Pinter has written the script, which is almost Shakespearian in its use of subtle pauses; this is a challenge for the actors but makes for great theatre. It has a political dimension too, which will really make people think.

The production at Titchfield Festival Theatre will include plenty of beach themes taking us back to the seaside of the 1950s, with pipe organ songs and Punch & Judy adding a menacing touch. “We have assembled a fantastic cast for the play. The Birthday Party is regarded as a ‘comedy of menace’ and there is undoubtedly a dark tone which underlies it. It is a play that I am confident will entertain and also get members of the audience talking about what they have seen as they leave the theatre… for example, Stanley is human, secretive and extremely flawed – however, does he get what he deserves? Please come along and decide for yourself.”

W: titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com

T: 01329 556156.