Full casting announced for English-language world premiere of FAREWELL MISTER HAFFMANN

Full casting has been announced for Jean-Philippe Daguerre’s Farewell Mister Haffmann, the English language world première of one of France’s most successful new plays, which begins performances at Theatre Royal Bath from 24 August.

Joining the previously announced Alexander Hanson as Otto Abetz, Lisa Dillon as Isabelle Vigneau and Ciarán Owens as Pierre Vigneau, will be Josefina Gabrielle (Les Miserables, West End) as Suzanne Abetz, and Nigel Lindsay (The Lehman Trilogy, West End) as Joseph Haffman.

The French play Adieu Monsieur Haffmann by Jean-Philippe Daguerre has been a commercial and critical success in France, winning four Molière Awards, including Best New Play. It has been one of the longest running plays in France and was recently made into a film starring Daniel Auteil.

The year is 1942. Paris is under Nazi occupation. Jews are being rounded up. Joseph Haffmann, a Jewish owner of a jewellery shop and his long- standing employee Pierre Vigneau change roles as part of a strange deal which could only take place against the background of an absurd and tragic reality. Joseph Haffmann will transfer the ownership of the jewellery store to Pierre, but asks that Pierre hides him from the Nazis. In return, Pierre insists that that Joseph enter a very unusual intimate arrangement with Isabelle, Pierre’s wife.

Add to that a Matisse painting, an ‘art loving’ Nazi officer and his outrageous wife, marital difficulties amplified by the bizarre domestic situation, it is no wonder that Pierre is driven to the brink.

Translated by Jeremy Sams, the production is directed by Lindsay Posner, with set and costume design by Paul Wills, lighting by Peter Mumford, sound & composition by Giles Thomas, and casting by Serena Hill.

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