It was curtain up on two new shows in the West End this month – and behind both is alumna Eilene Davidson, an international theatre producer known for her string of hit productions.
First to open at the Trafalgar Theatre on 5th October was The Duchess, the acclaimed contemporary production of the 1612 classic The Duchess of Malfi. Starring Jodie Whittaker (Dr Who, Broadchurch) in the title role, this thrilling drama tells the story of the recently widowed Duchess who defies her family’s wishes to remarry beneath her class. Calling it a ‘grisly, modernised Jacobean tragedy’ the Daily Telegraph praised the ‘superb ensemble’ and awarded the production four stars. The play runs until 20th December. To book tickets, go to www.trafalgartheatre.com/shows/the-duchess
Eilene’s second production, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, opened at The Ambassadors Theatre on 10th October and is the perfect half term treat. This foot-stomping, award winning musical is based on the iconic F. Scott Fitzgerald story, relocated to a fishing village in North Cornwall. It’s a love story with a unique twist – Benjamin Button is born old and grows younger each day. Will he ever find love and a place to belong? You’ll have to see the show to find out! It’s suitable for age 12 upwards and won rave reviews during its previous run at the Southwark Playhouse last year. To book tickets, go to www.benjaminbuttonmusical.com (age recommendation 12 plus).
Our warmest congratulations to Eilene, who originally trained as an actress before becoming an independent Olivier and Tony nominated Theatre Producer working on Broadway and in the West End. She is also in the President’s Circle at BAFTA, a member of Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and is producing her first film later this year.
Watch this space for further updates!