Lenny Henry to Star in UK Tour of FENCES, Launching Feb 2013

Following his triumphant performance as Othello in the West End, Lenny Henry takes on one of the 20th century's most unforgettable characters in this New York Drama Critics', Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning drama, directed by Paulette Randall. The production opens Wednesday 27th February 2013 at Theatre Royal Bath.

Lenny Henry plays Troy Maxson, a once gifted athlete denied his turn at the big time and now struggling through daily life in Pittsburgh. Resentful of a world he believes has denied him chances at every turn, he takes out his anger on a sports-obsessed son and his loyal wife.

Fences is one of the greatest American dramas of the 20th century. Set between the Korean and Vietnam wars, it is the story of a family trying to hold itself together and of what happens when a strong man is robbed of his dreams.

Lenny Henry follows in a line of distinguished performers who have played the extraordinary central character, which includes James Earl Jones, Laurence Fishburne and Denzel Washington.

Paulette Randall has directed plays for the Royal Court and theatres throughout the UK, as well as television directing credits for the BBC and Channel 4. She is the former Artistic Director of Talawa Theatre Company and was an Associate Director of the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony. This is the fifth August Wilson play she has directed.

Theatre Royal Bath is located in Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET. The show runs Wednesday 20th February – Saturday 2nd March, Mon – Sat, 7.30pm; Matinees on Weds & Sat, 2.30pm. Press Night: Wednesday 27th February 2013. Tickets: £18.50 - £34.50. Box Office: 0844 871 7627.

TOUR SCHEDULE

w/c 18 & 25 Feb Theatre Royal Bath
Sawclose, Bath BA1 1ET
Tel: 01225 448815 Fax: 01225 444080
Perfs: Mon – Weds 7.30pm
Thurs – Sat 8pm
Mats: Weds & Sat 2.30pm
(open Tues 19 Feb tbc)

w/c 4 March Richmond Theatre
The Green, Richmond TW1 9QJ
Perfs: tbc (open Tues)

w/c 11 March HOLIDAY WEEK

w/c 18 March Milton Keynes Theatre

w/c 25 March Oxford Playhouse

w/c 1 April Theatr Cymru, Mold

w/c 8 April Malvern Theatre
Grange Road, Malvern WR14 3HB

w/c 15 April Cambridge Arts Theatre

Photo Credit: Richard Young/Rex/Rex USA