Theatre and Dance

Written by acclaimed playwright Anthony Neilson and directed by Steve Marmion, this dark comedy aims to transport audiences to a world of wonder and illusion.

In 1881, one of the Victorian theatre’s most enigmatic impresarios Mr Edward Gant presented his famous travelling show for the very last time. In 2009 Anthony Neilson and Headlong Theatre are delighted to present a reconstruction of this historic and extraordinary evening of mystery and magic, spectacle and strangeness.

Audiences are invited to enter the mysterious world of Edward Gant and delight in an evening of oddities including; Sanzonetta, the pimple faced girl; Ranjeev, the Uncomplicated and the terrifying Phantom of the Dry, who appears to actors who have forgotten their lines. 

Through an evening of fantasy, illusion and surprise, Anthony Neilson's comedy explores the peculiar landscape of the freak show - one of the most popular entertainments of the Victorian era.

Anthony Neilson is recognised as a maverick creator of bold innovative new work in the theatre. He is currently literary associate at the RSC.

The cast includes Simon Kunz whose extensive television credits include Al Murray's Personality Disorder, Hustle, Trial & Retribution and Green Wing. On top of this, he has worked extensively in the theatre and film.

Edward Gant's Amazing Feats Of Loneliness runs at the West Yorkshire Playhouse from Tuesday 10 March until Saturday 14 March 2009.