The Arts theatre, which has been dark since July 2008, will reopen next month with the London premiere of psychological thriller Toyer.
Adapted from an internationally best-selling novel, Toyer, which opens on 25 February (previews from 16 February), is set on the LA hills at the remote house of psychologist Maude. When a charming stranger appears, an innocent encounter soon becomes a sexually charged battle of wits. Is he merely a playful admirer or the Toyer, a disturbed man who performs unspeakable acts of violence on his female victims?
Toyer, which is written by former star of 60s TV show Adventures In Paradise Gardner McKay, stars Al Weaver, who recently appeared in Channel 4 drama The Devil’s Whore, and Laurence Olivier Award-winner Alice Krige, who may be best known for her appearances as the Borg Queen in Star Trek: First Contact and Star Trek: Voyager.
Toyer marks the opening of the Arts theatre under the new management of Kingdom Entertainment Group and Wimpole Theatre. The historic venue, which will soon launch its own private members club, has undergone a four month refurbishment that has included the auditorium and front of house.
Speaking about the theatre’s reopening, theatrical knight Sir Ian McKellen, who made his West End debut at the venue, said: “The Arts is an indispensable part of London’s theatre. As a base for the work of Alec Clunes, Peter Hall and the Unicorn theatre, the Arts’ history has always been forward looking and inventive. Long may that continue.”
MA