Absolute Beginners didn’t work as a film, but I have much higher hopes for the theatrical production at the Lyric Theatre in London, which runs from 26th April – 26th May 2007.
The plot stays faithful to the must-read book – a young modernist photographer’s take on life on the streets of late 50s West London, played out against a backdrop of emerging racial hatred – and the theatre promises sets that faithfully re-create that late 50s coffee bar vibe.
There’s also a soundtrack of authentic tunes of the era, alongside an
original score by contemporary jazz composer Soweto Kinch, direction by
the highly-rated Roy Williams and strong cast of theatre production
regulars.
So it all sounds promising, although you’ll not know for sure unless
you go along. The month-long season includes some matinee performances,
with tickets priced between £9 and £27.
Find out more at the Lyric Theatre website
