The Philanthropist
The Philanthropist
Out in the ‘real world’ the Prime Minister and his cabinet have been assassinated and England’s most treasured writers are being murdered one by one! Back in the cosy bubble of university life, a bachelor don anguishes over sex, marriage, anagrams, and the meaning of life. Did someone suggest academics were ‘out of touch’?
Christopher Hampton's most celebrated hit play returns to the West End. Simon Callow's new production stars: Matt Berry (The IT Crowd, Toast of London), Simon Bird (The Inbetweeners, Friday Night Dinner), Lily Cole (Ab Fab The Movie), Charlotte Ritchie (Call the Midwife) and Tom Rosenthal (Friday Night Dinner).
PRESS:
★★★★
'Simon Bird and Lily Cole are a treat in this intellectually witty, emotionally acute tragi-comedy' - Daily Telegraph
'Simon Bird is hilarious as he leads a stellar comic cast' - Radio Times
'Biting satire' - The Week
'A smart college comedy - I love the play' - The Guardian
'Christopher Hampton’s wickedly funny tale of the foibles of life in a university town' - Time Out
CELEBS:
'Brilliant' - Jack Whitehall
'Very clever' - Joe Thomas (The Inbetweeners)
'It's fantastic' - Greg McHugh (Fresh Meat)
'I love this - it's funny, clever and thought-provoking' - Paul McKenna
'It's really relevant in today's political climate.' - Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat)
- Cast
This exciting ensemble cast includes:
Simon Bird (star of The Inbetweeners and Friday Night Dinner), model and actress Lily Cole, Charlotte Ritchie (Fresh Meat, Call the Midwife, Siblings), Tom Rosenthal (Friday Night Dinner) and BAFTA award winning writer, actor and musician Matt Berry (The IT Crowd, The Mighty Boosh).
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No exchanges or refunds after purchase.
- How Does It Work
You will receive a voucher after purchase. Please print and present on arrival.
- Where Do I Go
Trafalgar Studios, 14 Whitehall
By bus: 3 11 12 24 53 77a 88 91 139 159 453
Closest Tube: Charing Cross and Embankment (Northern and Bakerloo)
Reviews
Ben
Jul 31, 2017
Enjoyably eccentric evening with a fabulous cast.
Ellen
Jul 7, 2017
I went to see this play on the actors alone and deliberately did not look about its plot or any reviews. I was very impressed by the whole play and would recommend to anyone to go and see it!
Moya
Jun 23, 2017
My companion gave it three stars. I thought it was more a tragedy than a comedy but I did enjoy it. However because the theatre was empty we were moved forward to better seats (still very uncomfortable !).
Teresa Greener
Jun 13, 2017
This glorious 1970s period piece anchored itself firmly in period, with a delicious set full of things old people like me recognised. Virtually all the casting was great (Lily Cole was weak, but looked so ravishing it hardly mattered), and a particularly fabulous performance from Simon Bird as the central character, Philip. Great ensemble acting all around, and the scene between Philip and his girlfriend in Act 2 was both hysterical and moving - a fine thing if you can pull it off, which they did.
Chris Diamond
Jun 9, 2017
I wanted to see this as I know some of the cast and am a lover of Matt's music. l highly recommend going to see it.
Barbara Penelope
Jun 2, 2017
I went on my own and the Trafalgar theatre staff made me feel very welcome. I made myself comfortable, glass of Prosecco in hand, and thoroughly enjoyed The Philanthropist. Everyone took their parts so well and their delivery was excellent and they worked well together. I loved that the main protagonist was sexually naive. In iappearance he Looked a mix between 'Austin Powers' and Ronnie Corbett and, even with his an over nice and irritating ipersonality he still so,mething of a 'babe magnet'. I loved the play and I loved all the preposterous characters. Well done EVERYONE. I also loved the scenery. FAB apartment that!
mgthants
May 17, 2017
A lack of projection by most of the cast makes it hard to enjoy the dialogue which quite often became a series of monologues. The smoking was a distraction ( nobody did it as if they wanted to), the 'rooms' were a bit 'up market' for the principal character and I felt no relationship (even friendship) between the five 'resident' characters. Having said that, the play led to a lot of discussion afterwards on the content
Johanna T
May 4, 2017
Matt Berry was perfect for his role and Lilly Cole handled her sensitive role very well. It was a real treat for an irregular theatre goer.
Natalie Clynes
Apr 24, 2017
The play was quite well written and the performance was enthusiastic. Tom Rosenthal was definitely the shining star, despite playing a supporting role he was fanstistic to watch. The beginning and ending were highlights to an otherwise quite monotonous storyline.
Stephen wood
Apr 18, 2017
I went into this not really sure of the story, ended up really enjoying it, some great comedy moments and some drama in parts but for me it was the cast that made it, as fan of British tv they were what made me want to see the show, and they all were brilliant. Definitely recommend
CQ
Apr 16, 2017
We went to see it over the Easter break. We had seats at the back but were upgraded to the front so had a good view. It's a slow paced comedy that has some long monologues but was entertaining. Simon bird was really good as was Lily Cole. Charlotte Ritchie as the girlfriend was very good. overall not bad night out.
Roger
Apr 7, 2017
Lovely small venue. Most enjoyable play with cracking cast. Simon is just brilliant!