Review: Harvey at the Theatre Royal Haymarket starring James Dreyfus & Maureen Lipman

Harvey
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Reviewed on Monday 23rd March 2015
★★★

There's no denying that when Mary Chase's play premiered on Broadway in 1944 it was way ahead of its time. However, in 2015 Harvey - which was adapted into a 1950 film starring James Stewart - is feeling a little tired. 

The piece centres around Elwood P. Dowd (James Dreyfus) who introduces his (imaginary) six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch tall rabbit friend to everyone he meets. Tired of finding herself in awkward social situations, Elwood's sister (Maureen Lipman) seeks treatment for her brother... but things don't quite go to plan.

As it becomes more and more farcical, the first act of Harvey is joyfully silly. James Dreyfus and Maureen Lipman bring eccentricity to their performances, with Lipman particularly standing out for her stellar comic timing.

The supporting cast also have fun in their roles, providing some hilarious moments and superb one-liners. The first act does dip occasionally, but it is the second half which becomes extremely tiresome as Lindsay Posner’s production loses its steam. Cracks begin to show and Chase's play feels dated.

Production images released for Harvey at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

Production images have been released for Harvey starring James Dreyfus and Maureen Lipman. Lindsay Posner’s production transfers to the West End following a short UK Tour. Check out the images below (click image to enlarge).

Harvey opens at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on Tuesday 17th March and runs until Saturday 2nd May, with a gala night on Monday 23rd March. The tour opens at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 6th February. Dreyfus and Lipman play Elwood P. Dowd and Veta Louise Simmons.

Sneak peek at... rehearsals for Harvey starring James Dreyfus & Maureen Lipman

Rehearsal images have been released for Harvey starring James Dreyfus and Maureen Lipman. Lindsay Posner’s production transfers to the West End following a short UK Tour. Check out the images below (click image to enlarge).

Harvey opens at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on Tuesday 17th March and runs until Saturday 2nd May, with a gala night on Monday 23rd March. The tour opens at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 6th February. Dreyfus and Lipman play Elwood P. Dowd and Veta Louise Simmons.

Harvey transfers to West End following UK Tour

It has been confirmed that Lindsay Posner’s new production of Harvey by Mary Chase will transfer to the West End following its UK Tour.

The show will open at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from Tuesday 17th March until Saturday 2nd May, with a Gala Night on Monday 23rd March. 

The tour opens at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 6th February where it runs until 21st February. James Dreyfus and Maureen Lipman lead the cast as Elwood P. Dowd and Veta Louise Simmons.

The cast also includes: David Bamber as William R. Chumley, Desmond Barrit as Judge Omar Gaffney, Felicity Dean as Betty Chumley, Ingrid Oliver as Myrtle Mae Simmons, Amanda Boxer as Miss Ethel Chauvenet, Sally Scott as Nurse Ruth Kelly, Youssef Kerkour as Duane Wilson, Jack Hawkins as Lyman Sanderson and Linal Haft as E J Lofgren.

Full casting announced for Harvey starring James Dreyfus & Maureen Lipman

Full casting has been announced for Lindsay Posner’s new production of Mary Chase’s comedy Harvey. 

The show will open at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 6th February where it runs until 21st February prior to a UK Tour and possible West End run.

Joining James Dreyfus as Elwood P. Dowd and Maureen Lipman as Veta Louise Simmons are: David Bamber as William R. Chumley, Desmond Barrit as Judge Omar Gaffney, Felicity Dean as Betty Chumley, Ingrid Oliver as Myrtle Mae Simmons, Amanda Boxer as Miss Ethel Chauvenet, Sally Scott as Nurse Ruth Kelly, Youssef Kerkour as Duane Wilson, Jack Hawkins as Lyman Sanderson and Linal Haft as E J Lofgren.

Maureen Lipman joins James Dreyfus in Harvey

It has been announced that Maureen Lipman (pictured right) will star alongside the previously announced James Dreyfus in Lindsay Posner’s new production of Mary Chase’s comedy Harvey.

The show will open at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 6th February where it runs until 21st February prior to a UK Tour and possible West End run. 

Lipman will play Veta, who tries to get her brother, Elwood P. Dowd (Dreyfus), committed rather than risk the family’s reputation.

Lipman most recently starred in the West End run of Daytona by Oliver Cotton, following its premiere at the Park Theatre.