Bent

by Martin Sherman
6 July – 8 August 2010 
Tabard Theatre 

Martin Sherman’s iconic play, Bent, returned to London in July 2010 for a five week run at The Tabard Theatre after its phenomenal success at the Landor Theatre.

Originally presented at the Royal Court Theatre in 1979, the play took London by storm, transferred to the West End and has since been seen in over 40 countries and translated into at least 21 different languages.

1930’s Berlin: Decadent Max and partner Rudy are on the run after witnessing the murder of a German SA Officer who Max has brought home the night before. The couple flee Berlin to avoid arrest and subsequent imprisonment, however they are caught by the Gestapo and put on a train headed for Dachau the infamous concentration camp. What follows is a story of survival, love and self discovery.

Bent, ran for three weeks at The Landor Theatre to critical acclaim and sell out audiences. It now finds itself in its new home at The Tabard Theatre this July and August. Bent has been nominated for seven awards in total at the forthcoming Off-West End Awards.

NOMINATED FOR 6 OFF WEST END AWARDS.
Best Director: Andrew Keates
Best Lighting Design: Howard Hudson
Best Male Performance: Russell Morton
Best Male Performance: Steven Butler as Rudy
Best Male Performance: David Flynn as Horst
Best Male Performance: Chris Barley as Rudy

“A powerful and memorable experience. I left the theatre shaking and in tears”
★★★★★ Sophie Cornell, Remote Goat

“..And best of all, in Andrew Keates’s terrific staging of Martin Sherman’s Bent, first seen at the Landor earlier this year, here’s a production of commitment and real talent…”
★★★★ Mark Shenton, Sunday Express

“This production presents all that recommends it with panache and nuanced understanding, both of its theatrical potential and its instructive message”
★★★★ Michael Hubbard

“…an important historical document for so many of us; but more than that, as Andrew’s production proves, it above all still makes for incredibly powerful and resonant theatre…”
★★★★ Mark Shenton, The Stage

“Andrew Keates’ direction is sublime – all the subtle nuances are detected and used. There’s no opinion being hammered at you throughout; the play is simply presented for what it is, and as that, provides the bleakest and starkest of stories”
★★★★★ Sophie Cornell, Remote Goat

“…an exemplary revival of the play…”
★★★★ Mark Shenton, The Stage

“… As 2010 marks the 65th anniversary of the end of World War Two, Bent is a fitting tribute to all those who lost their lives in atrocities the likes of which we hope will never happen again…”
Simon Sladen, British Theatre Guide