MACREADY!Dickens’ Theatrical Friend written, staged, designed, and performed by Mark Stratford is a fascinating play about the life and loves of William Charles Macready, born in 1793-1873. With a father who ran a theatre and spent time in debtor prison, he was advised by his father to study at the Bar and stay away from the Stage. However, he followed his “calling” rather than his father’s demands although he openly spoke about how much he disliked the theatre.

Due to the financial problems left behind by his father when he went to prison and a sense of personal responsibility, he left the Bar and education to temporarily take to the stage. In 1810 Macready made his debut performance in his father’s company, in the lead role as Romeo. The audience loved him and he continued with acting.

The story offers an honest approach to Macready’s life. Stratford switches between himself the author and Macready the actor. Curt comments to Stratford at times put Macready in control of the dialogue and reflect the deep respect Stratford has for the late actor, offering a knowledgeable and factual recollection of Macready’s life.

Macready formed a close friendship over the years with author Charles Dickens. Stratford shares an insight into how, where and why their friendship developed and how important it was to both of them.

Stratford has written a fascinating story that is a tribute to the man, Macready whose love of the theatre and insistence on rehearsals, correct dictation, and an incredible insight into how a theatre should be run correctly probably has a huge influence on the guidelines and regulations followed in Theatres nowadays. After all, everyone wants perfection when opening night arrives.

I knew absolutely nothing about Macready when I entered the performance and within 80 minutes I left informed and eager to find out more. Fringe Theatre doesn’t get much better than this.

For more information on this performance,  Macready’s life and future work by Stratford’s theatre company Stratford Productions please use the links below.

Five Stars.

https://www.stratfordproductions.co.uk/

https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/macready-dickens-theatrical-friend/

https://www.rotundatheatre.com/brightonfringe/macreadydickenstheatricalfriend

https://www.oxforddnb.com/display/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-17741

Welcome To The Macready Theatre