March 13 – April 5
Director. Samuel West
Designer. Tom Piper

The new season and new artistic era begins with the decadent Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton and directed by Samuel West.

In a world where reputation is everything, the Vicomte de Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil set out to play a series of deadly games in the drawing rooms and bedrooms of high society. With great relish they destroy the reputations and lives of those around them. Everything is at stake - as the Marquise says: "Win or die".

Based on the 1782 novel by Choderlos de Laclos and set on the eve of revolution in eighteenth-century France, Hampton?s erotic and psychological masterpiece is a brilliant and witty tragedy of manners.

Bristol Old Vic presents Dervla Kirwan (Ballykissangel, Hearts and Bones) in the role of La Marquise De Merteuil. She is reunited with the award-winning Rupert Penry-Jones as Le Vicomte De Valmont after they recently performed together at the Garrick Theatre in Dangerous Corner. Emma Cunniffe (Flesh and Blood, Clocking Off, The Lakes) plays La Presidente De Tourvel and Avril Elgar takes the role of Madame De Rosemonde.

This is Samuel West?s third production as director. His previous productions are Hamlet (RSC Fringe) and The Lady?s Not for Burning (Chichester Minerva). As an actor his many roles for the stage include: Richard II and Hamlet (RSC) and Tom Stoppard?s Arcadia at the National Theatre. Film credits include: Iris, Howard?s End, Notting Hill and Christopher Hampton?s Carrington.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses runs from the 13 March to 5 April 2003. Tickets are £5 to £20 and can be obtained from the BOV box office on 0117 987 7877.

Buy tickets for events:

Sponsors