This play for the stage, by Michael Allen, is based on the life of the Victorian poet, Algernon Swinburne. It is in three acts, each of which is a monologue.
What’s to be done with Algernon? was successfully premiered at the Komedia Theatre, Brighton, as part of the 1996 Brighton Festival; the Komedia production toured the south of England in the spring of 1997, and then had a three-week season at the Warehouse Theatre, Croydon. An abridged version of the play was broadcast by BBC Radio 4 in July 1999.
If you would like to read the script, please use the Contact link.
This play was deliberately written so that, if necessary, it can be performed without scenery, beyond a chair or two, and without elaborate lighting and props.
Normally 2 male parts, 1 female. However, the play can be performed as a one-man show; see reviews of Jonathan Elsom’s marvellous performance, below.
‘Michael Allen has written an excellent script. All concerned are to be congratulated on a thoroughly entertaining full-length play.’ Plays and Players
‘See an amazing Algy…. When writer Michael Allen marries his work to actor Jonathan Elsom the result is electric…. Brilliant, funny, clever yet vulgar, I recommend you catch it.’ Croydon Guardian
‘This production was a tour de force.’ Tunbridge Wells Leader and Times
‘Michael Allen writes with a sharply-honed wit, crisp vitality and focused precision. It is a tremendously entertaining play…. The whole evening is spell-binding.’ The Stage
‘Oh! What a joy it is to see such a perfect little show…. A masterpiece of story-telling.’ Brighton Argus
