The merry-go-round, though, is still here - even if it goes round no more, idling on the casino floor of Circus Circus, filled with Jumping Jalapeno penny slot machines in place of painted horses. The blood they spilled on the carpet of the Desert Inn is long gone - along with the hotel itself. It’s headlined with dramatic productions of Ian McEwan’s Cement Garden, and Lou Stein’s adaptation of Hunter S Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.The lizard people have left Las Vegas. More recently, the play was performed in 2014 at the Waterloo Festival in London
Poster artwork for the show, designed by Ralph Steadman, legendary illustrator and Thompson’s collaborator, is released today. This production will draw out Thompson’s newly pertinent warnings about the loss of national identity and resonate with the instability that threatens journalism today. The current relevance of this cult classic is brought out by a focus on the surreal wit, humour and polemical heart of the original text. The production marks a continuation of my long friendship with the artist Ralph Steadman, whose visual art is part of its DNA, but it is also a celebration of Hunter S Thompson – he was an ally, friend, and has been a gonzo beacon for me throughout my theatre career.”ĭr Hunter S Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream is re-envisioned by an old friend of Thompson’s, Director-Adaptor Lou Stein. By immersing the audience in the color, sounds and soul of the 70s in a contemporary venue, the play will become an event experience. In a press statement, Stein commented, “Discover one of the wildest, most vibrant and utterly essential books of our time in a theatrical context. According to press materials, “This production explores Thompson’s newly pertinent warnings about the loss of national identity and resonates with the instability that threatens journalism today.” The cast will inluce Nina Smith and Libby Northedge. Thompson’s story is re-envisioned by Lou Stein, an old friend of Thompson’s, who directs and adapts it. 28, 2014, prior to an official opening Jan. It was created in 1981–2 by John Burrell, architect, for Lou Stein, artistic director of another pub theatre, the Gate, Notting Hill, extending the first floor of the Latchmere Hotel.131 Its programme consisted of adaptations (the first, of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, transferred to the West End), new plays and revivals, with latenight comedy and film shows, and exhibition space in the foyer.įear and Loathing in Las Vegas will begin performances Jan. More lasting has been Theatre503, a studio theatre seating 65 at the Latchmere public house at 503 Battersea Park Road, the integration of theatre with a food and drink venue being key to its character. Known as the Latchmere Theatre,Īnd then the Grace Theatre until 2002, Theatre503’s rebrand marked the launch of its new writing focus. Park Road at the south side of Battersea Bridge quickly established itself on London’s fringe theatre scene – itsįi rst production, of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas transferred to the West End. Published in 1971, has been adapted by Lou Stein, the theatre’s artisticĪn expansion of Notting Hill’s Gate Theatre, the purpose built space above The Latchmere public house on Battersea The first floor of the Latchmere pub has been renovated byĪlbion Records to make a 100-seat theatre and restuarant. On January 28 of a new fringe venue, the Gate at the Latchmere, in Battersea
Partly because they’re chock full of narcotics, but mostly because they’re on a savage journey to discover how the idea of America got broken, and why there’s no way back to freedom, real freedom.Įxperience one of the wildest, most vibrant and utterly essential books of our time by immersing yourselves in the colour, sounds, and soul of the 70’s.įear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Two assignments in Nevada turn super-ugly for a young journalist and his travelling companion, an attorney. It has been challenging to find information about this play, but lets start with some information floating around the web.ĭr Hunter S Thompson’s twisted, madcap adventure to find the heart of the American Dream is staged in this once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between his old friend and colleague Lou Stein and the legendary British illustrator Ralph Steadman.