We went along to the opening night of I Loved Lucy to find out more about the show that takes a look at the life of iconic entertainer Lucille Ball.
Based on the memoirs of Lee Tannen about his 10-year relationship with the TV comedy legend, I Loved Lucy is a personal portrait of Lucille Ball.
Her public face all too well known, what was Lucille really like? And how did she choose to live at the end of her life, out of the spotlight? Tannen’s funny, bitter-sweet play reveals the real-life Lucy and what it was like being her friend to the end.
The critically acclaimed Sandra Dickinson (recent West End credits including Singin’ In The Rain, A Streetcar Named Desire) returns as Lucy, with Broadway leading man Matthew Scott (An American In Paris and Jersey Boys on Broadway) making his London debut as Lee.
Lee Tannen first met Lucille Ball as a child, but cemented their close and enduring friendship as an adult. During the last 10 years of Lucy’s life – much of them spent around a backgammon table – Lee became Lucy’s confidante, spending time in her Beverly Hills and Palm Springs homes, travelling with her and entertaining her on his turf in New York City. Here, he paints a rich personal portrait that can only add to our love of a Hollywood legend.
I Loved Lucy runs at the Arts Theatre until 2 September. Book your tickets today!