In June, local entertainer Dave Lynn revives the role he created at the Kings Head Theatre in London in 2006 when he played Diamond Lil in the musical drama DIAMOND. The show played to rave reviews at the time with Dave’s performance of Diamond Lil coming in for special praise from the critics.
DIAMOND is the true story of Harry Young who, at the tender age of 14, decided to dress solely as a woman. He wandered the streets of Bethnal Green in heels, frock and makeup becoming one of the East Ends most memorable and much loved characters, the heartbeat of the local community!
The show is set during World War II around the East End and tells us the story of Lil, her tempestuous relationship with partner Maisie, and the colourful characters in her community that gravitated to and socialized at The Royal Oak Pub on Columbia Road.
Dave is joined in this production by an impressive cast which includes Stephen Richards (aka Lola Lasagna) who, since his knock out performance in Boys In the Band at the Theatre Royal last year, throws off his drag attire for the second time in his career, to perform ‘straight’ as Lil’s brother Bill.
Written by Linda Wilkinson, DIAMOND is inspired by her book Watercress But No Sandwiches – 300 years of the Columbia Road Area which tells the moving stories of old Eastenders, whose memories through their families go back almost 200 years.
The book won the prestigious Raymond Williams prize and has already been a BBC Radio 4 play; before being performed as a play with music at the Kings Head Theatre, Islington, London where it garnered four stars from threatre critic Nicholas de Jongh.
For this revival the the script has been rewritten and extra music numbers composed by Robert Orledge.
Directed by Ed Burnside, designed by Ryan Laight, choreographed by Damien Delaney, Lit by Stephen Holroyd and produced by Stephen Holroyd and Tim Anscombe.
Event: DIAMOND
Where: Brighton Dome Studio
When: June 3-9
Cost: £17.50, £15 & £12.50: All tickets £12.50 on Monday, June, telephone 01273 709709, tickets available on the door from Tueseday
