Speed-The-Plow

By David Mamet

Synopsis:

Newly promoted studio boss Bobby Gould is presented with a sure fire blockbuster script by film producer Charlie Fox. As the two men get high on dreams of profit, Bobby tries to seduce Karen, a young and pretty temp, by asking her to give a “courtesy read” to a “cissy” novel about radiation and the prospects of human survival. Karen argues forcefully in favour of the spiritual, uplifting and apocalyptic book and Bobby becomes drawn in by her enthusiasm. Will he dare to dump Charlie’s dreams and follow Karen’s heart instead?

Written in the 1980s, Speed-the-Plow is a brilliantly funny satire on the Hollywood of its day - but its ruthless exposure of ambition, envy and greed will be just as familiar now as they were then. Next Stage newcomer Steve Ellis joins accomplished actors Steve Leanaghan and Hayley Fitton in this taut three-hander, directed by Alison Paine.

Next Stage received critical praise for its interpretation of Mamet’s A Life in the Theatre in September 2008. The company returns now to this acclaimed playwright’s work to poke fun at America’s biggest export in a gripping and accessible production that should not be missed.

WARNING: Contains strong language.

Pre-show suppers available Thursday-Saturday, please see the menu below. Tickets are £15 and bookable from Next Stage Box Office 01225 428600.

This show was performed at The Mission Theatre, Bath in May 2010.

Supper menu:

Salmon Steaks with avocado and creme fraiche sauce
or
Summer Ratatouille with harissa dressing and a slice of onion tarte tatin
or
Gooseberry Fool
or
Chocolate and Lime Cheesecake
or
Teas and coffees to finish.

Director/s | Cast:

Alison Paine

Director

Steve Ellis

Bobby Gould

Steve Leanaghan

Charlie Fox

Hayley Fitton

Karen

Review/s of Speed-the-Plow:

Review 1: Another Mamet play for Next Stage

David Mamet's play Speed-the-Plow, which was first performed in America in the late 1980s, is a satirical dissection of the American movie business, a theme Mamet revisited in Wag the Dog and State And Main. The play gets a local revival next week at Bath's Mission Theatre when Next Stage Theatre Company performs it from Tuesday, May 11, to Saturday, May 15. Hollywood mid-level producers Bobby Gould…click here to read the whole review.