A Flea in her Ear
31 Oct - 17 Dec 2016
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
The Play
CLOSED
Sydney Theatre Company presents
A FLEA IN HER EAR
By Georges Feydeau
In a new adaptation by Andrew Upton
World premiere
Let the famously French fun begin
A Flea in Her Ear is world-renowned as the funniest and most famous of all the funny, famous French farces. It’s beautiful to look at, perfectly formed in its comic timing, shamelessly saucy and completely bonkers.
French writer Georges Feydeau – the inspiration for modern comedies from Fawlty Towers to Noises Off – penned this masterpiece in 1907. Andrew Upton’s revival wraps all the lust and unconsummated infidelities of the original into a fresh whirlwind of hilarious – and slightly kinky – fun.
We’re in Paris, 1908. After years of married bliss, Madame Raymonde Chandebise suspects her husband is having an affair. In an effort to catch him in the act at the notoriously seedy Snatch Time hotel, she causes a lot more trouble than she bargained for.
Spiralling into a high-octane storm of sexual intrigue, mistaken identities and bed-revolving mayhem, a cavalcade of characters get in on the act. Some want sex and revenge, several want to preserve their honour. All want to avoid being shot. Nobody gets any sleep. And you will laugh out loud.
Award-winning director Simon Phillips (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead) is in his element orchestrating the antics with elegance and precision. Reuniting with his frequent collaborator, designer Gabriela Tylesova, these two giants of Australian theatre bring a visionary spectacle to Sydney Opera House this summer.
“Raymonde? Are you in love?” Lucienne
“Never, never. God forbid.” Raymonde
Duration 2hrs 30mins (including interval)
Content warning Adult and sexual themes, strong language.
#STCFLEA
Pricing information
Single Ticket prices
Saturday evening A Reserve $105
Saturday evening B Reserve $95
Adult A Reserve $99
Adult B Reserve $89
Concession $78
Seniors cardholder $89
Preview $76
Under 30 $78
Transaction fees may apply
Single tickets: $7.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter
Dates & Prices
CLOSED
Dates
Previews 31 Oct – 3 Nov 2016
Season 5 Nov – 17 Dec 2016
Performance start times
Preview performances: 8pm
In-season performances: Tue –Sat 8pm; Mon 6.30pm; Wed 1pm; Sat 2pm
Pricing and ticket information
Single Ticket prices
Saturday evening A Reserve $105
Adult A Reserve $99
Concession $78
Seniors cardholder $89
Preview $76
Under 30 $78
Concession, seniors and under 30 tickets
Suitable and valid identification must be provided for collection of tickets and at the venue, such as your concession or proof of age card. Alternatively, you may email a copy of your identification to [email protected]. Please quote your booking reference number.
Access requirements
For specific access requirements, please call Box Office on (02) 9250 1777 to book your seats.
Transaction fees may apply
Single tickets: $7.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter
Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied at all times.
Insight Events
Pre-season Briefing
Mon 24 Oct 6.15pm
Wharf 2 Theatre
FREE. RSVP here
Audi Night with the Actors
Mon 7 Nov post-show
Mon 28 Nov post-show
Find out more about our Insight Events.
Access performances
Audio-described performance
Fri 2 Dec 8pm
Sat 3 Dec 2pm
Captioned performance
Wed 23 Nov 1pm
Fri 9 Dec 8pm
Auslan-interpreted performance
Thu 15 Dec 8pm
Important travel update
From 4 Oct 2015, all travel into the Sydney CBD will be affected by construction works for a light-rail line along George Street. These changes affect car and bus routes. It is important to plan ahead and allow additional travel time. Please visit mysydney.nsw.gov.au for more information and consider using journey planning apps on your smartphone or tablet devices.
Creatives
WRITER & DIRECTOR
Andrew Upton
Writer
Simon Phillips
Director
CAST
Helen Christinson
Lucienne Homenides
de Histangua
Harriet Dyer
Raymonde
Chandebise
Leon Ford
Etienne/Olympe
Harry Greenwood
Camille Chandebise
Sean O'Shea
Dr Finache/Baptiste
Kelly Paterniti
Antoinette/Eugenie
Justin Smith
Carlos Homenides
de Histangua/August
Tim Walter
Marcel Tournel/
Rugby
David Woods
Victor Emmanuel Chandebise/
Poche
CREATIVES
Gabriela Tylseova
Designer
Nick Schlieper
Lighting Designer
Steve Toulmin
Composer &
Sound Designer
Elizabeth Gadsby
Assistant Set
Designer
Alicia Clements
Assistant Costume
Designer
Imara Savage
Assistant Director
Charmian Gradwell
Voice & Text Coach
Photo James Green
This listing is updated as cast and creatives are confirmed in the lead-up to the production, and if there are any changes to the team. Ensure you have the most up-to-date information about each play by opting in to our enewsletter.
Reviews
“Excellent cast, in a ridiculously entertaining piece of theatre.” ★★★★ Sunday Telegraph
"Flawless execution of Andrew Upton’s sparkling new adaptation." ★★★★ Time Out Sydney
“The characters’ wily plans, secret desires and outraged reactions all lead to chaos. It is very funny” The Australian
"Farce rollicks with a bangin’ vibe" Sydney Morning Herald
“Gabriella Tylesova’s rotating set is a jewel box of colour and beauty… and her costumes are every bit as intricate and thoughtful as the plotting.” Daily Review
“This whole production is an exercise in escalating mirth… to the point where the play becomes a teetering rollercoaster of utter hilarity.” Australian Stage
“An absolute masterpiece of comedic wonderment” The AU Review
“The combination of the script, direction, design and performance made it a night of sublime silliness” Stage Whispers
“[Simon] Phillips’ lovingly precise, ebullient direction” Sunday Telegraph
"The scale and precision in so much well-coordinated talent here is impressive, driving the rollercoaster plot flawlessly and at exactly the right speed at every turn." Time Out Sydney
“[Andrew] Upton’s terrific new adaptation” Sunday Telegraph
“Gabriela Tylesova’s set is spectacular” The Australian
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