A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE
A Single Man
Full-Length Play, Drama / 2w, 3m
Based on the book by Christopher Isherwood
Adapted by Simon Reade
California, 1962. College professor George is grieving the death of his long-term partner Jim. As a middle-aged gay Englishman living in the Los Angeles suburbs, he is an outsider in every way. Haunted by his past and unable to move forward, we follow him on one very ordinary day. But for George, this is going to be a day like no other…
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Cast Size
2w, 3m -
Duration
120 minutes (2 hours) -
Subgenre
Adaptation (Literature) -
Target Audience
Adult, Teen (Age 14-18)
Details
Summary
“I make myself remember. I am afraid of forgetting. I will have to forget if I want to go on living.”
California, 1962. College professor George is grieving the death of his long-term partner Jim. As a middle-aged gay Englishman living in the Los Angeles suburbs, he is an outsider in every way. Haunted by his past and unable to move forward, we follow him on one very ordinary day. But for George, this is going to be a day like no other…
A Single Man features in the Guardian’s 100 Best Novels Written in English, where it is described as ‘a work of compressed brilliance.’ Known to many through Tom Ford’s film, Christopher Isherwood’s masterpiece is now given a wry and compassionate retelling in Simon Reade’s new adaptation for the stage.
Powerful and sexy, A Single Man is a darkly amusing study of grief, love and loneliness from the celebrated writer of Goodbye to Berlin, the inspiration for Cabaret.
History
Cast Attributes
- Time Period 1960s
- Setting One Friday and Saturday in Santa Monica, California, November 1962.
- Features Period Costumes
- Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
Media
“Piercing” – The Stage
“Breezy and engaging.” – Attitude
“The text is efficiently riddled with dark humour and sarcasm.” – Broadway World
“Poignantly effective and witty adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s iconic 1964 novel about love, loss and loneliness.” – The Stage
“Intriguing.” – TimeOut
“Simon Reade's stage play is most likely to appeal to anybody who loved the original book.” – WhatsOnStage
“The ending is hugely touching and really quite beautiful as the lights go down.” – Everything Theatre
“An excellent adaptation of a great novel that feels refreshed almost 60 years after it was published.” – Pocket Size Theatre
Videos
A Single Man – Park Theatre Teaser Trailer
Licensing & Materials
- Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.
Please submit a license request to determine availability.
Authors
Christopher Isherwood