Driving Miss Daisy

Having broken numerous records on Broadway and played to sold-out audiences in London’s West End, David Esbjornson’s award winning production has gained the appreciation of audiences and critics alike.

He has gained vast experience in the theatre production world through working as artistic director of New York’s Classic Stage Company from 1992 – 1999 as well as directing plays across the whole of the United States. One of his most famous plays, Driving Miss Daisy is now on tour across the UK for a strictly limited season.

The play provided inspiration for the Golden Globe and Oscar-winning movie, Driving Miss Daisy which starred Morgan Freeman. The story revolves around the charming, yet compelling tale of the unlikely friendship between a ‘prickly, elderly southern matriarch’ Daisy Werthan and her warm-hearted chauffeur, Hoke Colburn.  Daisy, in this production, is played by Gwen Taylor who is perhaps probably best known for her roles in ‘Duty Free’ (1984-1986) and ‘Barbara’ (1995-2003).  Don Warrington will play Hoke, whom you may recognize as one of BBC2’s Grumpy Old Men. He has also had roles in the BBC drama ‘Casualty’ and ‘Dr Who’.

The story of Driving Miss Daisy is all about the ‘human condition’ according to Don Warrington, set against a backdrop of prejudice, inequality and civil unrest with the plays’ two protagonists eventually being able to put aside their differences as the years go by – ultimately they grow to rely on each other far more than either ever expected.

It’s been described as ‘sparklingly funny, irresistibly heart-warming and with a wonderful much-loved cast’. As Don Warrington acknowledges, ‘the play’s long term success is due to its universality – everyone can relate to it.’ It’s limited to only eight performances at Richmond Theatre (22nd October to 27th October) with prices from £10 to £35. Driving Miss Daisy is the must-see show of 2012 so get your tickets while you still can!

Driving Miss Daisy, Richmond Theatre, October 22 to 27 , for more information and to book, www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/