Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - Novello Theatre
In mid 2009 rumours began to emerge detailing a possible London
transfer of the Broadway hit “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, featuring Darth
Vader himself James Earl Jones alongside a stellar cast. When the rumour
proved to be true it turned into a highly anticipated production – one
of the most talked about plays of the year.
It is now playing at the Novello Theatre to great reviews, where James
Earl Jones appears alongside an all-black cast that includes Phylicia
Rashad, Sanaa Lathan and Adrian Lester, all of whom have a range of
stage and screen credits to their names. It is a must see show and one
that many will remember for years to come.
The production started out life on Broadway, where the estate of
Tennessee Williams gave the production a coveted thumbs-up. It would
prove a great addition to the West End lineup and is the first time the
show has been seen in the capital since 2001 when a production was
staged at the Lyric Theatre.
The story of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” centres on the Pollitt family, who
gather to celebrate the birthday of Big Daddy Pollitt (Jones). Amongst
them is husband and wife Brick (Lester) and Maggie “The Cat” (Sanaa
Lathan), as well as Big Mama Pollitt (Rashad). However, the family is
keeping a secret from the man whose birth they celebrate – with the
onset of cancer taking him on the path to his grave. Whilst the group
try to hide this from him, the marriage between Brick Maggie is under
strain and neither are happy, making this celebration a portrayal of a
family that is falling apart.
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” features an array of talent on its stage, with
Sanaa Lathan playing Maggie Pollitt, having made a name for herself
onscreen in the likes of “Nip/Tuck”, “Alien vs. Predator” and “Out of
Time”, whilst Adrian Lester, a British actor, has appeared in the likes
of “Hustle” and “The Day After Tomorrow”.
James Earl Jones needs no introduction, having enjoyed an extensive
career as an actor with a signature voice. It is his vocals that have
featured in a number of roles, including those of Darth Vader in the
“Star Wars” series of movies (with David Prowse performing the
character’s actions) and King Mufasa in Disney’s “The Lion King”.
However, he has also physically appeared onscreen in “Field of Dream”
and “The Hunt for Red October”, with stage roles including “Of Mice and
Men” and “The Great White Hope” on Broadway.
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” is at the Novello Theatre where it is booking
until April 2010.