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The Dresser

Drama based on the Ronald Harwood play about devoted backstage hand Norman as he struggles to support Sir, the brilliant but tyrannical head of a touring theatre company.

In a touring Shakespearean theatre company, backstage hand Norman is devoted to the brilliant but tyrannical head of the company, Sir. He struggles to support the deteriorating star as the company works to carry on during the London blitz during World War II. The pathos of his backstage efforts rivals the pathos in Shakespeare's story of Lear and the Fool from his play King Lear, which is being presented on stage, as the situation comes to a crisis.

1 hour, 45 minutes

Last on

Sat 3 Dec 201623:30

Clip

Credits

RoleContributor
NormanIan McKellen
SirAnthony Hopkins
Her LadyshipEmily Watson
MadgeSarah Lancashire
IreneVanessa Kirby
ThorntonEdward Fox
Oxenby/EdmundTom Brooke
GloucesterJohn Ashton
KentIan Conningham
GonerilAnnalisa Rossi
ReganHelen Bradbury
CornwallCarl Sanderson
AlbanyMatthew Cottle
GentlemanMartin Chamberlain
WriterRonald Harwood
ProducerSuzan Harrison
DirectorRichard Eyre
Production CompanyPlayground UK Ltd

Broadcasts

  • Sat 31 Oct 201521:00
  • Sat 31 Oct 201522:00
  • Sat 3 Dec 201623:00
  • Sat 3 Dec 201623:30

Cast and Characters

Cast and Characters

Meet the theatre company that tours the country while the blitz rages on.