All About My Mother
Old Vic Theatre, London from 25th August to 24th November 2007
All About My Mother is a passionate hymn to the strength and spirit of women;
a kaleidoscopic drama embracing motherhood, love and desire; a homage to
the great Hollywood movies.
Following the tragic death of her beloved son, Manuela goes to Barcelona
in search of his father. But before she can exorcise her guilt she gets caught
up in the lives of three women: Agrado, a long-lost transvestite friend,
Rosa, a young nun in search of love and Huma Rojo, the famous actress that
Manuela’s son so admired. As Manuela’s life begins to have meaning
once more, her son’s father returns and the journey of discovery and
forgiveness comes full circle.
Samuel Adamson's new play brings the multi-award winning film of All
About My Mother to the stage. The screen version won international acclaim and
an Oscar for Pedro Almodóvar. In a career spanning 30 years his other
films have included Women on the Verge of a Nervous
Breakdown, Talk to Her and Volver. Adamson's other work includes Southwark Fair and a version of
Pillars of the Community, both at the National Theare.
Director Tom Cairns' recent productions include Aristocrats at the National,
Phaedre at the Donmar and The Tempest at the Royal Opera House. Music is
by long-term Almodóvar collaborator, Alberto
Iglesias, with a new
stage score by Ben and Max Ringham.
For all additional information and booking details visit the official web
site: www.oldvictheatre.com
"Diana Rigg (playing the grande dame) an actor who plays
with her starriness: she can cause a stir simply by mildly inflecting her
Damehood" Susannah Clapp, The
Guardian
"As an ardent Almodovar fan for many years, I have been
anxiously waiting for a good translation of his work on to the stage. I still
am" Scott Matthewman, The
Stage
Audience's reviews:
When I heard that Kevin Spacey was staging a version of
the film All About My Mother at The Old Vic I was intrigued. Though
he had a great creative team and cast, how could a stage version possibly
live up to the movie. I saw the show on Saturday night and was amazed. This
is a very rare production, one that captures the essence of the film and
delivers it with such passion and intensity. With most theatres in the West
End, the Old Vic has become the only commercial theatre which is now
offering the kind of contemporary drama that the city needs. 
Danny
Sage (28) London
