
A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE
The Whisky Taster
Full-Length Play, Dark Comedy / 1w, 6m
The Whisky Taster is a contemporary, subtle and witty exploration of feeling and perception in the modern world of advertising. Moving from monochrome to technicolor, James Graham’s dark comedy is about seeing things too clearly in a city that never stands still.
Image: 2010 Bush Theatre Production (Tristram Kenton)
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Cast Size
1w, 6m -
Duration
More than 120 minutes (2 hours) -
Target Audience
Adult, Teen (Age 14-18)
Details
Summary
Barney and Nicola are advertising wonder kids. They win accounts with wit, charm and a secret weapon: Barney’s ability to feel, smell and taste colours, and to translate these sensations into words. Lately Barney has been finding things far too colourful and wishes his full-throttle London life was more black and white, but Nicola is hell bent on winning accounts at all costs. When the two hire an old Scottish Whisky Taster to help them with a new campaign, the enigmatic and mysterious figure slows the Londoners to a stop with his strange wisdom, just as the deadline looms.
Graham’s dark comedy explores perception, sensitivity and feeling through the neurological condition synaesthesia. Whilst the characters thrive on the surface with witty banter and accomplished advertising pitches, their real lives threaten to intrude with a deeper, darker vein of seriousness and potential despair. When every sensation can be turned into a marketable, profitable brand, they start to lose sight of the real value of experience.
History
Cast Attributes
- Time Period Contemporary, Present Day
- Setting An advertising agency in central London. The present.
- Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
- Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Cautions
- Alcohol
- Strong Language
- Smoking
Media
“A brilliantly pacey and culturally penetrating new comedy.” – The Independent
“Thought-provoking, observant and emotionally intelligent, this is a superb piece of new writing.” – The Stage
“This fine new play by James Graham is a classic example of the Bush Theatre at its quirky best. It is charming, funny, sad and original, and has much to say about the times in which we live.” – The Telegraph
Videos
The Whisky Taster Rehearsal Diary – Bush Theatre (Part 1)
The Whisky Taster Rehearsal Diary – Bush Theatre (Part 2)
Photos
Image: 2010 Bush Theatre Production (Tristram Kenton)
Licensing & Materials
- Minimum Fee: £85 per performance plus VAT when applicable.