Arcola Theatre presents a Flying Colours Production

The Poltergeist

by Philip Ridley

Directed by Wiebke Green

‘This family! On the surface it’s all pretty waterlilies. But underneath…there are sharks!’

From master storyteller Philip Ridley, the award-winning Offie-Nominated The Poltergeist makes its stage debut at Arcola Theatre, following a critically acclaimed streaming run at Southwark Playhouse.

Darkly comic and deeply compelling The Poltergeist is “a tour-de-force performance from Joseph Potter” (Theatre Weekly) as Sasha.

This one-man show is about art, family, memory, and being haunted by the life we never lived.

At fifteen Sasha was called an art world prodigy. Celebrities wanted to buy his paintings. His first exhibition was going to make him a superstar.

But now he lives in a run-down flat, with his out-of-work boyfriend, and no one’s even heard of him…What went wrong?

A New York Times Critic’s Pick, this production reunites the original company with Wiebke Green directing Joseph Potter.

 

FREE EVENTS AFTER THE SHOW

Q&A WITH THE WRITER, DIRECTOR AND STAR 

Tuesday 18 October

Writer Philip Ridley, Director Wiebke Green, and actor Joseph Potter, both regular Ridley collaborators, will be in conversation with Terri Paddock (My Theatre Mates) and answering your questions.

PHILIP RIDLEY  – POETRY READING

Wednesday 19 & Wednesday 26 October

A rare chance to see Philip perform his celebrated poetry sequence, Lovesongs for Extinct Creatures.

The poems chart the journey of a love affair, from wanting love, finding love, through to losing that love.

Running time: approx 40 mins.

PHILIP RIDLEY – INTERVIEW

Monday 24 October

Philip Ridley is one of the country’s greatest living playwrights. His first play, The Pitchfork Disney, changed the course of British drama.

In conversation with internationally respected academic and critic Alex Sierz (author of Rewriting the Nation: British Theatre Today), Philip will discuss his life and work. There will also be a chance to ask Philip questions.

NEW MONOLOGUES BY PHILIP RIDLEY

Thursday 27 October & Friday 28th October

An exclusive showcase that champions up and coming talent from Run At It Shouting (a theatrical platform for actors and industry alike). Six actors will perform brand new, never seen before short monologues by Philip Ridley, each specifically selected for them by Philip himself. The monologues will be directed by Max Harrison.


New York Times Critic's Pick -

“Joseph Potter is gripping in this dysfunctional family monodrama”The Stage

“Gripping from start to finish”New York Times

★★★★★ “An absolute sensation… screamingly funny… sensational and essential…should not be missed”2nd from the bottom

★★★★★ “An utter tour de force performance”London Theatre 1

★★★★★ “Staggering to watch”G Scene

★★★★★ “A tour-de-force performance from Joseph Potter”Theatre Weekly

★★★★★ “Joseph Potter gives the stand-out performance of this year...”Marham Froggatt & Irwin

★★★★★ “Phenominal”The Upcoming

★★★★★ “Darkly Funny”The Crum

★★★★★ “Brilliant”Mobile Theatre

★★★★★ “Remarkable”Ox Magazine

★★★★★ “A must-see!”Local Buyers Club

★★★★ “An energetic, tour-de-force performance”WhatsOnStage

★★★★ “Electric...hilarious…exhilarating…phenomenal”A Youngish Perspective

★★★★ “Excellent…a powerhouse performance”Everything Theatre

★★★★ “A mesmerisingly balletic production”Broadway World

★★★★ “Darkly funny. The Poltergeist really is a must-see.”Reviews Hub

★★★★ “Impressive”West End Best Friend

★★★★ “Exhilarating ”The i

★★★★ “Brave”NorthWest End