Kafka's Dick by Alan Bennett - February 2004, The Dukes, Lancaster
Production photographs : Review : Press Release
Freehold Theatre Company return to Lancaster and the Dukes after a tour of theatres and arts centres in the region to perform their successful and very funny production of Alan Bennett’s Kafka’s Dick. When they performed the show at the Gregson Centre in February people were queuing for returned tickets. Here is an opportunity to see it at the Dukes from Thursday 29th — Saturday 31st March.
Founded in 1995 and based in Lancaster, Freehold have built up a strong reputation for touring innovative, quality productions of modern classic plays to venues in Lancashire and Cumbria.
Kafka’s Dick begins in 1919, when the tubercular Franz Kafka has his friend Max Brod swear that he will burn Kafka’s writing after his death. Of course, Max goes on to publish Kafka’s work and to write the definitive biography of the writer. Then the story is transported to present day Leeds where in a middle class, suburban sitting room sits Sydney, played by Peter Sampson, who is obsessed with Kafka and is working on an article about him. Staring out the window is his wife, Linda, (Jacqueline Pilton), who is frustrated by a marriage that is full of bickering and everyday routine. Then, into their midst descends the dead but lively Max (Steve Ashton) followed by a cadaverous Kafka (Kyle Oram) and Kafka’s father (Geoff Holman).
This production has been delighting audiences all over the North West and is a night full of fun and wit.