by Philip Ridley
a theatredelicatessen production
Directed by Frances Loy
Lighting & Design by William Reynolds
“I love you so much I could burst into flames”
theatredelicatessen to stage first London revival of PHILIP RIDLEY’S infamous Mercury Fur at a brand new alternative theatre space in the heart of the West End.
In the savage wastelands of London, the East End has become a battleground and staying alive has become a day-to-day struggle. There, a gang have discovered the only way to survive is to deep-freeze their emotions and cater to the darkest fantasies of the rich.
Together, they have prepared a party. The child has been woken from his drug-induced sleep. The make-up applied and the meat hook is glistening. Everything is in place. Now all that’s needed is a party guest…
theatredelicatessen, the leading company in London’s emerging Pop-Up Theatre scene, are staging the first major revival of Philip Ridley’s visceral Mercury Fur – his most controversial play to date. We're hugely excited to be working so closely on this project with Phil, one of our generation's most prolific and inventive playwrights.
Since its explosive premiere Mercury Fur has been performed throughout the world. As we enter a new decade, with all its unease and moral dilemmas, this brutal vision of love and violence is more relevant than ever.
This is theatredelicatessen’s first production in their new performance space – a derelict four-storey nestled behind Selfridges and a stone’s throw from St Christopher’s Place.
Previous critical acclaim for Mercury Fur includes:
“There are moments that almost make your heart stop” THE TIMES
“A play for our time...it is a play you need to see” THE SUNDAY TIMES
“Grippingly visceral...Brutal and fascinating” THE INDEPENDENT
“Stunning, superb...drags us into a circle of hell while affirming the indomitability of humanity's best instincts. Unforgettable.” VARIETY
“Brutal, heartfelt and authentic...the plot is sickening and the characters are almost irredeemable. But in that 'almost' Ridley has found the human soul and driven a meat-hook right through its gut.” LA THEATRE REVIEW
Mercury Fur runs Tuesday - Saturday, 9th February - 13th March 2010.
