What’s it all about?
Let me introduce you to Harvey. He’s an invisible six foot rabbit and the best friend of Elwood P Dowd. Had Elwood been successful in introducing his fluffy companion to the psychiatrist in Mary Chase’s Pulitzer prize-winning 1944 comedy, his sister Veta may not have found herself in quite such a sticky situation.
You see, Elwood is a little bit mad – his best friend is an imaginary rabbit after all – so when Veta calls upon the skills of a renowned psychiatrist in an attempt to cure him of his bunny shaped hallucinations, and more importantly save the family’s reputation, her own maniacal mutterings lead to her being incarcerated instead.
As Elwood is released and Veta tries to battle her way out of a hydro bath, realisation soon dawns on the staff at the psychiatrists’ practice and there’s a race against time to find the giant rabbit lover and bring him back for treatment.
Who’s in it?
James Dreyfus brings a whole lot of eccentricity and a tiny bit of camp to his performance as Elwood, a devilish smirk permanently plastered across his face.
Fellow Olivier Award winner Maureen Lipman is a pompous Veta, whose shrill speech and frantic movements make for compelling and hilarious watching.
But the star of the show? Well, you’re unlikely to see a better portrayal of Harvey.
What should I look out for?
Let’s be honest, anyone who visits the Theatre Royal Haymarket between now and the beginning of May will be looking out for Harvey. His presence makes for much hilarity right through to the curtain call.
But there’s also Peter McIntosh’s lavish revolving set, which transports Elwood and his cronies to three locations throughout the course of Lindsay Posner’s production, and Dreyfus’ limelight-stealing performance as the eccentric bunny follower.
In a nutshell?
One invisible rabbit, two Olivier Award winners and a whole heap of silliness makes for an entertaining evening at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.
What’s being said on Twitter?
@elliepitkin Seeing ‘Harvey’ (pun intended) with @FiPitkin at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Brill so far (& we got upgraded). Lipman & Dreyfus are fab!
@chloe_nw3 I went to see #Harvey last night at the Haymarket. Fantastic cast, set & a heart-warming moral to the story
Will I like it?
What could be better than a tale about a giant white rabbit in the run-up to Easter? Warm-hearted and funny with crowd-pleasing performances from two of Britain’s much-loved actors, Harvey is a… must-see!
Harvey is booking at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until 2 May. You can book tickets through us.