The Dream of a Ridiculous Man
Thursday 21st March – Saturday 20th April 2024
Marylebone Theatre, 35 Park Road, London, NW1 6XT
Tickets are available from £26.50
How to get there The nearest stations are Baker Street, on the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines, and Marylebone station.
Writer/Director Laurence Boswell
Screen and stage star Greg Hicks has been cast in the one-man production of The Dream of a Ridiculous Man at Marylebone Theatre this spring. Adapted and directed by multiple Olivier Award-winning director and writer Laurence Boswell, this hot-button production is based on Dostoyevsky’s story of the same name. Exploring climate change, nationalist politicians and the impact of humans on the world around us, The Dream of a Ridiculous Man is a thought provoking yet hilarious exploration of human nature.
Greg Hicks is a renowned stage and screen actor, who has played leading roles at the National and RSC for forty years, and starred in numerous productions in the West End and around the country, including the Olivier-winning Oklahoma! at the Young Vic, Ghosts at the Sam Wanamaker Theatre and Coriolanus at the Old Vic. His screen appearances include The Mercy and Hollywood blockbuster Snow White and the Huntsman.
On an uneventful Wednesday in East London, an ordinary man comes to the startling revelation that nothing matters. But before he uses the gun he just bought himself, he dreams of another world full of meaning – and is filled with the irresistible urge to tell as many people as possible about his dream – that happiness can be achieved, if only he could inspire them with his vision of a better world. This is going to be harder than he thought.
Dostoyevsky’s tragicomedy is transported from 19th century St Petersburg to 21st century London in this one-person tale of wonder with an urgent warning of our world. Tackling the climate crisis, human conflict and the rise of populism, this serious yet funny story of hope sets out to teach us that we can build a better world. Maybe.
Writer and director Laurence Boswell is an internationally renowned Olivier Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated director, who has directed This Is Our Youth on the West End, starring Matt Damon and Jake Gyllenhaal, Joe Egg starring Eddie Izzard on the West End and Broadway, and Ben Elton’s long-running West End comedy Popcorn. Boswell is known for his work as the Artistic Director of The Gate Theatre, as founding Artistic Director of the Ustinov Studio, and Associate Director at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Writer and director Laurence Boswell comments, Dostoyevsky brings light and warmth into our world. He is the great chronicler of the troubled soul and to the many who struggle with anxiety and depression – he offers a vision of hope and redemption. I’m delighted to have Greg with me to tell this wonderful story.
⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ ‘ This small off-West End venue again delivers National Theatre-level production values’ The Guardian on The White Factory
The Marylebone Theatre is London’s newest cross-cultural, performance space. Once known as the Steiner Hall, the theatre has undergone an extensive refurbishment, as a result of which it is now a versatile, state-of-the-art space, which delivers an exciting programme of theatre performances, concerts, dance and spoken word events.
The theatre is just off Baker Street, outside the congestion zone and with plenty of nearby free parking after 18:30.
Show schedule: Tuesday to Saturday: 7:30pm
Wednesday & Saturday: 2:30pm & 7:30pm
Content Warning
We want to inform all attendees that this production, The Dream of a Ridiculous Man, contains mature themes and explicit content that may be challenging or triggering for some viewers. Specifically, this production includes themes of suicide, drug use, and the use of a firearm. These elements are integral to the narrative and are treated with sensitivity.
Viewer Discretion is Advised
Please consider this information carefully before deciding to watch the play. Our aim is not to discourage viewers but to ensure that the experience is safe and enjoyable for everyone. We understand that the content may resonate differently with everyone, and we encourage anyone who feels affected to seek appropriate support.
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