National Theatre Live: The Last of the Haussmans November 1, 2012

Presented by Irvine Barclay Theatre in Association with Arts Orange County

National Theatre Live Broadcast in HD

a new play by Stephen Beresford
Directed by Howard Davies

A darkly funny new play about family starring the irrepressible Julie Waters known in the U.S. for her screen roles in Educating Rita, Mamma Mia, and the Harry Potter films.

Julie Walters plays Judy Haussman with Rory Kinnear and Helen McCrory as her children in this eagerly-anticipated new play: a funny, touching and sometimes savage portrait of a family that’s losing its grip.

Anarchic, feisty but growing old, high society drop-out Judy Haussman remains in spirit with the Ashrams of the 1960s while holding court in her dilapidated Art Deco house on the Devon coast. After an operation, she’s joined by wayward offspring Nick and Libby, sharp-eyed granddaughter Summer, local doctor Peter, and Daniel, a troubled teenager who makes use of the family’s crumbling swimming pool. Together they share a few sweltering months in this chaotic world of all-day drinking, infatuations, long-held resentments, free love and failure.

One of Britain’s best-loved and most versatile actors, Julie Walters has won BAFTA, Golden Globe and Olivier Awards for her work. Her screen credits range from Educating Rita to celebrated work with Victoria Wood, from lead roles in the movies Mamma Mia! and Harry Potter to portraying Mo Mowlam for Channel 4.

Rory Kinnear recently won the Evening Standard Award for Best Actor for his performance as Hamlet at the National Theatre. Helen McCrory’s acclaimed work includes the films The Queen and, recently, Hugo.