Indeed, touring is more than seeing sights; a change which goes on, permanent and profound, in the ideas of living. The play Our Boys was performed in London for the first time on 13 May 1993 at the Cockpit Theatre. It was revived subsequently in a production which originated at Derby Playhouse which is now known as Derby Theatre.
It later on transferred to the Donmar Warehouse running from 11th April-13th May 1995. This theatre essay says that the production resulted in the play winning the Best Fringe Play award; this was in the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain Awards. Scottish premiere on 13th November 2002 opened at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and was produced by Theatre Enigma.
Subsequent productions have been played at several fringe theatresby both professional and amateur theatre companies and groups.
It was announced on 15th June 2012, that Our Boys play would receive its West End premiere at the Duchess Theatre on 3rd October 2012. On 26 September 2012, the preview performances started, with David Grindley directing a new production which was designed by Jonathan Fensom.
Jason Taylor did lighting as Gregory Clarke made the sound. Among the cast confirmed following the announcement included;
- Arthur Darvill as Parry
- Laurence Fox as Joe
- Cian Barry as Keith
- Matthew Lewis as Mick.
The show was produced by Lee Menzies, Jenny Topper, James Seabright, and Sue Scott Davison.
Dave Simms directed The Australian debut which was performed by the Adelaide Repertory Theatre Company at the Arts Theatre from 31st August 2017 to 9th September 2017. The cast included the stars Lee Cook as POM, James Edwards as Parry, Adam Tuominen as Joe, Patrick Marlin as Ian, Leighton Vogt as Keith and Nick Duddy as Mick. The season would capture the following dates;
- Thur 31 Aug 2017 at 8 pm
- Fri 1 Sept 2017at 8pm
- Sat 2 Sept 2017 at 8 pm
- Wed 6 Sept 2017 at 8 pm
- Thur 7 Sept 2017 at 8 pm
- Fri 8 Sept 2017 at 8 pm
- Sat 9 Sept 2017 at 2 pm
- Sat 9 Sept 2017 at 8 pm
Another touring opening night for Our Boys Play was the Australian premiere from 31st August-2nd September, and 6th-9th September 2017 at the ARTS Theatre 53 Angus Street. Performances commenced at 8 pm. Friday 1st of September was ‘Soldier On’ charity night.
The organization supports Aussie women and men who have been psychologically or physically impacted by their service. For a tender and witty perspective on the soldiers’ experience, many caught the Our Boys play while it was in town.
At the Adelaide Repertory Theatre, the Australian premiere tour of Our Boys was brought to Adelaide from26th September to 15th December 2012. Among the cast included Cian Barry, Arthur Darvill, Jolyon Coy, Matthew Lewis, Laurence Fox, and Lewis Reeves stars in the new production of Our Boys by Jonathan Lewis at the Duchess Theatre.
Arthur Darvill would not appear in the play on the 20th, 22nd, 26th, 29th & 30th November, with all his performances being played by Edward Grace, his understudy. 24th November at 2.45pm would showcase Captioned performance as 1st December at 2.45pm showcases Audio described performance.
Another recent tour was at Venue 277 PQA Venues @Riddle’s court 2030 on 31st August 2018, with the running time being 2 hrs, 20 mins (which included one interval). The venue address was Duchess Theatre Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5LA.
Some of the cast members’ memories
Some memories are unforgettable, remaining ever heart-warming and vivid. Matthew Lewis who played in the Harry Potter film series as Neville Longbottom got recently nominated for an acting award for his BBC One’s The Syndicate’s role. Laurence Fox was last seen in the West End in Treats (Garrick) and is best known as DS Hathaway in ITV drama Lewis for his leading role.
Arthur Darvill has played Rory Williams in Doctor Who. His TV credits include The Verdict, and He Kills Coppers. Arthur’s last stage appearance in London was in Doctor Faustus (Globe). Currently appearing at the Duke of Yorks in Posh, Jolyon Coy, is to be seen soon in BBC’s Henry IV part I & II ( which is part of The Hollow Crown series) as well as Lewis Reeves, currently filming the new TV series Lee Nelson’s. Some of the 2012 production review highlights of the West End are listed below;
- Whatsonstage.com, ‘Storms the West End in a brilliantly cast, superbly acted revival.’
- Sunday Times – Critics’ Choice, ‘Lewis’ punchy play… comes out with all guns blazing.’
- Financial Times, ‘Packs a punch… an excellent ensemble performance.’
- Independent, ‘Performed with a terrific spiky verve by a crack cast.
- Time Out, ‘Nailing the comedy to the wall… the cast sparks off each other brilliantly.’
- Evening Standard, ‘Terrific sense of edgy camaraderie… a pleasure to watch.’
- Independent on Sunday, ‘Rings true and offers both hilarious and harrowing moments.’