The Way Old Friends Do (play)
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| The Way Old Friends Do | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Ian Hallard |
| Date premiered | 17 February 2023 |
| Place premiered | The Studio, Birmingham Repertory Theatre |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | Comedy |
The Way Old Friends Do is a play by Ian Hallard.[1] It is a comedy that tells the story of the world's first drag ABBA tribute band, formed by two old schoolfriends who meet again by chance.
The play follows the ups and downs in the friendship of Peter and Edward, who were at school together in Birmingham in the 1980s. Edward came out to Peter as gay, and Peter as an ABBA fan. They find each other again after twenty years of estrangement and book a one-off gig at the local theatre as a drag ABBA tribute band. They decide to play Frida and Agnetha, and recruit wannabe actress Jodie and eccentric rehearsal pianist Mrs Campbell as Björn and Benny. Stage manager Sally is the final member of the team.
Avid Australian fan, Christian, convinces them to pursue the idea, and they embark on a life on the road. However Christian's romantic involvement with Edward leads to the breakdown of his friendship with Peter.
Production history
UK Tour (2023)
The play made its world premiere in The Studio at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 17 February 2023, before touring the UK. The production was directed by Mark Gatiss.[1]
West End (2023)
The play transferred to the Criterion Theatre in London's West End from 17 August until 9 September 2023.[2]