Stage Door Theatre welcomes A Tailor–Made Man, by Claudio Macor, in a new revival from 9 May.
“In the dazzling Hollywood of 1930, William Haines soared to unprecedented heights as the unrivalled No. 1 box office sensation, eclipsing even the legendary Greta Garbo.
A meteoric rise that left the world in awe, but the glitz and glamour quickly turned to ashes when the powerful Louis B. Mayer made a shocking move – firing Haines and erasing his cinematic legacy from the silver screen just three short years later.
The tantalizing question lingers: what dark secrets and ruthless machinations led to the abrupt downfall of Hollywood’s golden boy?”
Where: Stage Door Theatre at the Prince of Wales pub, Covent Garden
When: 9 May-31 Jul 2024
Ticket link: https://www.stagedoortheatre.co.uk/the-tailor-made-man-17-april-12-june/ – dining + show or show only options available.
Claudio Macor explains why this play is still relevant today in today’s interview.
It’s good to see this play revived – why now in particular and why at this venue?
We’ve had some high profile films and TV series lately which have done quite well and yet NO Oscar nominations.
Hollywood is changing in fits and starts. It’s important to revive the play to remind everyone that what happened to William Haines in 1933 is still happening today, We need a “me-too” movement.
Stage Door Theatre is very well organised and run new theatre. The food is really great and reasonably priced for its location, but above it has a welcoming, magical atmosphere. A wee gem.
William Haines is an interesting topic for a play, a star who overcame what might be termed ‘cancellation’ today and bounced back during a time of prejudice. What attracted you to his story?
I heard rumours of big movie stars being gay, some changing wives every five years, others never getting married etc.
Rumours are what they are but Billy’s story struck a cord, not only for closeted movie stars but for producers too scared to finance a gay love story but above all for any gay man who is frightened to come out, present a truly great love story against all the odds, inspires confidence.
William Haines was eradicated but survived. What a great role model, a flawed role model, but a great one just the same.
Your play also includes Marion Davies, an actress who is still woefully underrated despite her comic gifts. Was it easy to find a way into her character?
Marion Davies made two GREAT comedies The Patsy and Show People, the latter with William Haines, She was a brilliant comic but woefully underrated and neglected.
She was very easy to write, a glamorous good time gal, funny and a dear friend to Billy and Jimmie. I portrayed her in a positive light, I gave her the justice she deserves.
There have been many plays about movie stars, both successful and notes, in the last few years. Why do you think we still retain a fascination with the Golden Age of Hollywood after all these years?
MGM was the biggest most glamorous studio in the world, Nothing came close. Its extravagance was legendary. It created the Hollywood glamour. Its illusion permeated throughout Hollywood and feeds into our psyche to this day.
Fashion designers and jewellers fall over themselves to provide the glamour today. They want to belong to that ideal that MGM created. However, what appeals to writers is the reality and filth that lurks underneath the glamour. Everyday life,
It’s been 100 years since Billy Haines received his first favourable review for his screen performance in The Midnight Express. What do you think his reaction to your play would be?
Billy would probably say it’s the autobiography he never wrote.