The Beauty Queen of Leenane

The Beauty Queen of Leenane, a theatrical masterpiece by acclaimed Irish playwright Martin McDonagh (In Bruges, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Hangmen) and the recipient of four Tony Award nominations, is a darkly comic tale about the turbulent, dysfunctional, and often savage relationship between mother and daughter, Mag and Maureen Folan.
 
Following a smash-hit season in Johannesburg in October 2022, the production is set to transfer to Cape Town’s Baxter Theatre in August 2023.
The play centres around the life of Maureen, an unmarried middle-aged woman, as she cares for her ailing mother Mag, and tries to find love. When the two brothers enter, we are set on a path to the play’s thrilling conclusion. Interspersed with romance and humour. This psychological thriller will have audiences on the edge of their seats.
 
Multi-award winner Charmaine Weir-Smith (The Train Driver) directs a stellar cast starring Jennifer Steyn (Recipes for Love and Murder, The Inconvenience Of Wings) as Mag, Julie-Anne McDowell (The Revlon Girl, Couplet) as Maureen, Bryan Hiles (Sweeney Todd, Cabaret) as Pato, and Sven Ruygrok (Spud, Abraham Lincoln) as Ray.
The production is designed by multiple award-winning designers Greg King (set) and Denis Hutchinson (lighting).
 
For more information, please click on How Now Brown Cow 

Here’s what critics and audiences had to say about the season in Johannesburg:
“ … a hefty chunk of utter magic … magnificent and biting foray … beautifully crafted and extraordinarily well-performed work … his is the definition of universally fine drama, Do not miss it, Not on any account … this play will rest deep with you” Robyn Sassen

“ … a rare privilege to enjoy theatre of this calibre” Adrian Poulsen

“ … ‘n Mens sit in ongeloof oor wat jy aanskou. Steyn, McDowell skitter …” AJ Opperman

“ … exciting theatre against all odds” Chris Thurman

“ … this is gripping theatre, capturing you from the moment it begins and never letting go. It’s rare that a play stays with you days after watching it” Arja Salafranca

How Now Brown Cow and the Baxter are proud to support Vintage With Love during the season in the Pam Golding Theatre. Patrons can bring their pre-loved clothing to place in the donation bins in the foyer ahead of the performance of The Beauty Queen of Leenane. For more information about how to donate or get involved, visit Vintage With Love

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