ENGLAND
Visiting Mr. Green began its life in England at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds. It starred Olivier Award winner Warren Mitchell as Mr. Green, reprising the role he played to great acclaim in Australia. Reece Dinsdale was Ross Gardiner, directed by Natasha Betteridge with set and costumes by Francis O’Connor.
“I was gripped and moved by this play, and found its final moments overwhelmingly affecting. The second act pushes the play into dramatic territory reminiscent of King Lear. A sentimental King Lear perhaps, but the play’s analysis of the strength and apparent cruelty of devout faith reveals Jeff Baron to be a dramatist capable of toughness and rigour. The moment when these two men suddenly recognise themselves in each other is theatre at its potent best.”
LONDON DAILY TELEGRAPH
Seven years later, after recovering from a stroke, Warren Mitchell once again starred in Visiting Mr. Green. This production toured major venues across the UK, directed by Patrick Garland and co-starring David Sturzaker.
“This comedy is poignant and emotional, dealing thoughtfully with issues such as loneliness, prejudice and loss, issues which we can all relate to, young or old. A fine evening of theatre, funny and uplifting.”
DOM HENRY, NOTTINGHAM
“Jeff Baron’s poignant play is theatre at its best: a gradual revelation of the secrets, griefs and yearnings which lie beneath the ordinary exteriors which we present to the world each day. Everyone in the audience can relate to this play whether as a child or a parent, the holder of strong beliefs or their victim. The audience’s easy laughter at the start of the evening soon mellowed into thoughtful concentration. An evening of great theatre.”
ALISON WOOLARD – BBC
The tour of the UK continued for a second year, with Gideon Turner playing Ross Gardiner opposite Warren Mitchell. The tour did very well, setting the box office record at Peter Hall’s Rose of Kingston Theatre.
Following the tour, the production played a limited engagement on the West End at Trafalgar Studios. Because of the director’s illness, Jeff Baron stepped in to direct the West End transfer.
Click on the program above to read an interview with Jeff Baron.
“What ensues isn’t merely a clash of generations but also a clash of what’s safe and familiar and what’s real. Baron’s story is a cry for humanity, and it finds sublime expression. A great piece of theatre.”
***** (5 stars) SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
After three productions of Visiting Mr. Green over ten years and an ongoing friendship with playwright Jeff Baron, Warren Mitchell passed away in 2015.
In recent years, Visiting Mr. Green has had numerous new productions in England.
