“Festen is a landmark play”

The Guardian, London

"Festen is the most powerful play to be seen in London at the moment. Its ability to shock its audience into silence is second to none and, by the end, they stagger out of the auditorium stunned.”

British Theatre Guide
 

Helge is the patriarch of a chain of restaurants and it’s his 70th birthday. Surrounded by his wife, two sons, daughter and close family friends all is ready for a celebratory dinner at his large country estate. The only person missing is eldest son Christian’s twin sister, Linda, who recently committed suicide. Her painful absence leaves a jagged hole in the festivities. In the middle of dinner Christian stands to give the first toast. In order to decide which speech to give he asks his father to choose one of two envelopes. The choice leads Christian to make a startling accusation and, even as the disbelieving guests are choosing sides, this powerful play slowly unwraps the truth.

David Eldridge's compelling play is adapted from Thomas Vinterborg's screenplay of the 1998 Danish Dogme film Festen, also known as The Celebration. Eldridge’s stage adaptation received its world premier in London in 2004.

Festen is directed by Nick Fagan and features an outstanding cast including Adrian Barnes, Cheryl Douglas, Brant Eustice, Sienna Fagan, Gary George, Joh Hartog, Claire Keen, Stuart Pearce, Geoff Revell, Russell Slater, Georgia Stockham, Stephen Tongun, Nigel Tripodi and Lyn Wilson.