Details

This is the story of Mack Sennter, undisputed King of Comedy in the silent movie era, and the Silent Movie star, Mabel Normand. The story starts in 1932 in Mack's old studios, where they are now making "talkies" much to his disdain. Mack reminisces and through his memories the story of their turbulent relationship and the magic of making movies in the early days of Hollywood unfolds. We are taken back to 1911 when it all began. Sennett is in the middle of making a two-reeler when the creditors come to close him down, in the middle of the chaos in walks Mabel, the kid from the Deli. She won't leave until she gets her 15 cents. Her natural comic talent is captured on film by Mack and before she knows it she is making movies. The next step is Hollywood. By this time both Mack and Mabel realise their feelings towards each other, but Mack's life is all about making movies and he won't let anything get in his way.

Cast/Performers

Michael Ball (Mack Sennett), Rebecca LaChance (Mabel), Anna-Jane Casey (Lottie), Jack Edwards (Fatty), Gunnar Cauthery (Frank), Mark Inscoe (William Desmond Taylor), Michelle Francis, Emily Langham, Rebecca Louis, Joshua Lovell, Joseph Prouse, Emily Shaw, Ashley Andrews, Adam Denman, Nicole Deon, Jenny Legg, Grace McKee, Rohan Richards, Sam Stones, Andrew Waldron, Zara Warren, Libby Watts

Creatives/Company

Book by: Michael Stewart
Music: Jerry Herman
Lyrics: Jerry Herman
Producer: Chichester Festival Theatre
Director(s): Jonathan Church, Charlotte Sutton (casting)
Design: Robert Jones
Sound: Paul Groothius
Lighting: Howard Harrison
Choreographer: Stephen Mear

Mack and Mabel

Mack and Mabel (Musical) production archive for QTIX code T743391719. Details of all Mack and Mabel archived productions can be found under the QTIX code: S1594

Archive Listings

1 Dec 15 to 6 Dec 15	Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff, Glamorgan Performance Details => Venue archive
23 Nov 15 to 28 Nov 15	Theatre Royal Nottingham, Nottinghamshire Performance Details => Venue archive
10 Nov 15 to 21 Nov 15	Playhouse Theatre Edinburgh Performance Details => Venue archive
27 Oct 15 to 7 Nov 15	Bord Gais Energy Theatre (formerly Grand Canal Theatre) Dublin Performance Details => Venue archive
12 Oct 15 to 24 Oct 15	Opera House Manchester, Greater Manchester Performance Details => Venue archive
1 Oct 15 to 10 Oct 15	Theatre Royal Plymouth Plymouth, Devon Performance Details => Venue archive
13 Jul 15 to 5 Sep 15	Chichester Festival Theatre Chichester, West Sussex Performance Details => Venue archive

Reviews

Josie: 28Oct15:
Saw this production in Manchester Opera House on 24 October 2015. Outstanding performances, thoroughly enjoyed the show. Anny Jane Casey is awesome!

Linda: 17Oct15:
first saw this 20 years ago in London and was disappointed. the music was great, but the story weak and acting not up to scratch. However went to see it at Chichester and what a difference 2 decades and a rewrite of the book make. This time was the best time, as the song goes. Michael Ball seems born to play this part, his great voice ideal for the role of Sennett, he owns the stage from the moment he enters till the final curtain. Hope to hear a lot more of the beautiful Rebecca Lachance, a perfect Mabel.Fast becoming a National treasure, Anna Jane Casey gives wonderful support as she exhorts us to 'tap our troubles away. Would see it again, sadly not coming near to me this time.

Catherine: 10Oct15:
A superb production of a strong musical. The staging, set and choreography is incredibly clever. Michael Ball is superb - beautiful voice beautifully controlled. Seen this musically twice before - and this production is by far the best of h ethree.

Mack and Mabel review
07Sep15: Chichester Festival Theatre's production with Michael Ball.

jim: 07Sep15:
Lost me a bit in the second half ... more variety show than musical

User Reviews

Josie (28Oct15): Saw this production in Manchester Opera House on 24 October 2015. Outstanding performances, thoroughly enjoyed the show. Anny Jane Casey is awesome!

Linda (17Oct15): first saw this 20 years ago in London and was disappointed. the music was great, but the story weak and acting not up to scratch. However went to see it at Chichester and what a difference 2 decades and a rewrite of the book make. This time was the best time, as the song goes. Michael Ball seems born to play this part, his great voice ideal for the role of Sennett, he owns the stage from the moment he enters till the final curtain. Hope to hear a lot more of the beautiful Rebecca Lachance, a perfect Mabel.Fast becoming a National treasure, Anna Jane Casey gives wonderful support as she exhorts us to 'tap our troubles away. Would see it again, sadly not coming near to me this time.

Catherine (10Oct15): A superb production of a strong musical. The staging, set and choreography is incredibly clever. Michael Ball is superb - beautiful voice beautifully controlled. Seen this musically twice before - and this production is by far the best of h ethree.

jim (07Sep15): Lost me a bit in the second half ... more variety show than musical

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CORONAVIRUS: All venues in the UK were shut down on March 16, 2020, and the restrictions were finally lifted on July 19, 2021. It is important to mention that the UK Theatre Web archive listings (iUKTDb) from March 2020 to July 2021 might not be accurate due to the lack of information regarding rescheduled and cancelled shows.