

Leaving Vietnam
A jaded Vietnam war veteran is drawn to Donald Trump’s hate-filled rhetoric in Richard Vergette’s one-man show about the siren call of populism in modern West End politics. Andrew Pearson and Andy Jordan direct.
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This Finsbury Park theatre offers an ever-changing line-up of new shows
Park Theatre counts some of theatre's biggest names amongst its fans, not least Ian McKellen, who recently donated the proceeds of a week-long run of his solo show to the theatre's kitty. And these friends in high places, plus plenty of local donors, mean that it's a much more professional outfit than your average unfunded neighbourhood theatre.
It puts on around 20 new shows a year, in two spaces: main stage Park200 and smaller studio Park90. They're generally new writing, but of a slightly more staid variety than you'd get at the likes of Bush Theatre or Theatre503. Expect a mix of issue-led dramas, new comedies, and star vehicles for veteran British actors. Its biggest hit so far has been David Haig's 'Pressure', which landed a West End transfer in 2018.
Park Theatre is housed in a shiny modern building tucked away on a quiet street behind Finsbury Park station. It opened in 2013, under the auspices of artistic director Jez Bond, who oversaw the building's £2.6 million creation from an old office block which stood on the site. Park Theatre has two cafe/bar areas - a spacious one upstairs, and a more hectic one downstairs - and both are popular with both laptop-toting locals and theatre fans waiting to see a show.
A jaded Vietnam war veteran is drawn to Donald Trump’s hate-filled rhetoric in Richard Vergette’s one-man show about the siren call of populism in modern West End politics. Andrew Pearson and Andy Jordan direct.
When an ABBA covers band booking at his local arts venue falls through, Brummie superfan Peter sees an opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream: to step in and form his own tribute group to the Swedish pop maestros, with a difference. How will audiences react to he and his friend Edward playing Agnetha and Anni-Frid? And will their recently renewed friendship survive the experience? ‘The Way Old Friends Do’ is a play by actor Ian Hallard, who’s also on stage as Peter, a warmly approachable but initially shy ABBA fan who shares everything with his beloved nan apart from his bisexuality. He and Edward – James Bradshaw, most recently seen on our screens as dry pathologist Dr Max DeBryn in ‘Inspector Morse’ prequel ‘Endeavour’ – inadvertently reconnect via hook-up app Grindr after decades of not seeing each other. Hallard’s real-life love of ABBA shines through in his script, which packs in a Wikipedia-entry level of biographical nuggets about the group. The play’s exploration of the contours of a middle-aged friendship – not a romance – between two queer men is also a refreshing twist on its rom-com trappings. It’s similarly interesting to watch Edward, who hides his vulnerability inside an armour of posh bitchiness, tentatively navigate the idea of an open relationship after decades of monogamy with his soon-to-be husband. There’s some strong support from Donna Berlin as Peter’s no-nonsense friend Sally, who has to contend with Edward’s excesses while undergoing IVF with her wife
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