PurpleDoor
Experience a double-bill of two of Harold Pinter’s most challenging and greatest plays.
Inspired by his own affair, Betrayal is Pinter’s masterpiece of lies and deception, highlighting how we betray ourselves and each other in our desire to be seen. A story told in reverse, Betrayal is quite simply one of the landmark plays of the 20th century and not to be missed.
Played in rep, Old Times is perhaps Pinter’s most ambiguous play. Described by the New York Times as something that ‘people will talk about as long as we have theatre,’ Old Times examines our desire to reclaim the past, as a comfortably married couple are visited by a friend from long ago. Or is she? Nothing is certain and facts are disputed in this remarkable work of forgotten passion and desire for change.
*Please note, there will be a post show discussion for Old Times after the performance on 4 Dec and for Betrayal after the performance on 5 Dec
Age Suitability: 14+
Warnings: General and persistent threat of menace. Some sexual reference.
DIRECTED BY Em Dulson & Karl Falconer
CAST Em Dulson, Karl Falconer, Charlie Forrest, Madeline Lloyd-Jones, Emilia Lea, William Medland
RUNNING TIME Betrayal – 90 mins incl. interval
Old Times – 75 mins incl. interval
TICKETS €19 | €16 (Concession)
About the Company
PurpleDoor are a Liverpool based theatre company, whose work has toured the UK and Ireland and been produced in conjunction with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Nominated for a National Lottery Award, PurpleDoor have been hailed as ‘one of the UK’s fastest rising ensembles’ with a body of work that has been championed by figures including Stephen Fry and Judi Dench. They aim to champion undiscovered talent and help new audiences enjoy classical work. They have been bringing productions from Liverpool to Smock Alley since 2014.
PRAISE FOR THE COMPANY
‘A rare and fantastic feat, not to be missed. Karl Falconer has made the events in one of the world’s best-known plays seem surprising’ – NoMoreWorkHorse
‘The directing is masterful. Should you be lucky enough to catch more of PurpleDoor’s work, I would highly recommend that you don’t miss it’ – British Theatre Guide
‘PurpleDoor’s work is a joy to behold’ – The Liverpool Echo
‘PurpleDoor’s work is wholly convincing and riveting to watch’ – Public Reviews
‘This production is an absolute delight’ – NoMoreWorkHorse, Dublin
‘Karl Falconer’s climactic monologue made for a real hold-your-breath theatrical thrill’ – Click Liverpool
‘It seems like no bad thing to support PurpleDoor’ – Stephen Fry