Details

In Festen, patriarch Helge Klingenfelt is celebrating his 60th birthday with his family at a magnificent old hotel in the Danish countryside. Gathered together are his loyal wife Elsa, his daughter Helene, and sons Christian and Michael. As the evening progresses, Christian feels compelled to break the silence surrounding a dark family secret. The effect is explosive and sets the tone for a celebration no-one will forget.

Cast/Performers

Paul Nicholls (Christian), Carol Royle (Poul), Andrew Maud (Lars), Stephen Moore (Helge), Patrick Robinson (Gbatokai), Claire Rushbrook (Helene), Michael Thomas (Helmut)

Creatives/Company

Author(s): Thomas Vinterberg, Mogens Rukov
Producer(s): Marla Rubin, Bill Kenwright
Director: Rufus Norris
Design: Ian MacNeil
Costume: Joan Wadge
Lighting: Jean Kalman
Sound: Paul Arditti
Music: Orland Gough

Festen

Festen (Play) production archive for QTIX code T01435028367. Details of all Festen archived productions can be found under the QTIX code: S1067235414

Archive Listings

15 Sep 04
to
16 Apr 05

Lyric Theatre
West End, Greater London
Performance Details => Venue archive

Reviews

UK Theatre Web: 15Jan05:
An almost perfect night of theatre, some confusing text but overall wonderfully acted and beautifully designed

UK Theatre Web: 20Oct04:
Worth watching.Generally well acted, well directed.Despite the seriousness of the subject,Festen is full of humour.The pace varies interestingly.

UK Theatre Web: 13Oct04:
a horrible play with nasty sexist rascist themes that go from bad to worse, dont waste your money

UK Theatre Web: 24Sep04:
The West End deserves more truly great contomporary theatre like this. Wonderfully adapted, wonderfully produced and wonderfully acted. Touching and thought provoking, Festen needs the great success it has clearly earnt.

UK Theatre Web: 24Sep04:
The performances of "Christian" and many others are second to none, well directed and obviously well thought out this is a play to take away with you.

User Reviews

USER (15Jan05): An almost perfect night of theatre, some confusing text but overall wonderfully acted and beautifully designed

USER (20Oct04): Worth watching.Generally well acted, well directed.Despite the seriousness of the subject,Festen is full of humour.The pace varies interestingly.

USER (13Oct04): a horrible play with nasty sexist rascist themes that go from bad to worse, dont waste your money

USER (24Sep04): The performances of "Christian" and many others are second to none, well directed and obviously well thought out this is a play to take away with you.

USER (24Sep04): The West End deserves more truly great contomporary theatre like this. Wonderfully adapted, wonderfully produced and wonderfully acted. Touching and thought provoking, Festen needs the great success it has clearly earnt.

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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.