Masks and Faces

Set among the theatrical world of London’s West End in the eighteenth century, Masks and Faces was inspired by the life story of the real actress Peg Woffington, best known for playing leading roles opposite David Garrick, her sometime lover.

Country gentleman Ernest Vane comes to London and is seduced into the celebrity lifestyle of a group of players – discarding his new wife for the more obvious charms of the great actress Peg Woffington. In the tradition of The School for Scandal and The Rivals, Masks and Faces is a fascinating look at the 18^th century theatre with characters ranging from the hapless failed playwright, Triplet, and his hungry family, to real-life writer Colley Cibber and the ghastly critics Soaper and Snarl……

First performed in 1852, and continually revived during the 19^th century, Masks and Faces provided Ellen Terry with one of her first and most acclaimed leading roles. The play was filmed in 1920 with Johnston Forbes-Robertson. The production is supported by the Friends of Brompton Cemetery, next to the Finborough Theatre, where the actors Ben Webster and Sir Squire and Lady Bancroft – all known for their roles in Masks and Faces – lie buried.

Acclaimed young Irish director Caitriona McLaughlin returns to the Finborough Theatre, following her productions of Frank Pig Says Hello in 2002, Unsung Lullaby in 2001 and Lullabies of Broadmoor and Allport’s Revenge in 2004.
“A wildly wondrous and macabre creation, that takes dark humour to far-flung and tragic depths….mesmerising performances.” Time Out
“Catriona McLaughlin’s absorbing and atmospheric production.” The Independent
“Caitriona McLaughlin’s unsentimental production is assembled with care and played with vim.” Time Out