The Way Old Friends Do
Duration
2 hrs 15 mins with interval
Closing Date
Until September 9, 2023
Age limit
Suitable for 14+ ##Know Before You Go
Why Watch The Way Old Friends Do?
Watch the new comedy-drama, The Way Old Friends Do at London’s West End this summer, written by and starring Ian Hallard (The Boys in the Band).
The Way Old Friends Do is humorous and touching, with the talented director Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Doctor Who, Dracula) at the helm.
Witness old classmates reunite as the world's first drag ABBA tribute band, touring with platform boots, fake beards, and dazzling charm. Can their enduring friendship withstand the trials of life?
Get the opportunity to celebrate everything queer in this heartwarming narrative of friendship and courage and hum along to ABBA hits.
Hurry! Get your hands on The Way Old Friends Do tickets to watch this brilliant drag comedy.
The Way Old Friends Do tickets are now on sale! The play will be staged at the Criterion Theatre. Grab your The Way Old Friends Do tickets right away to watch this fabulous comedy! This inspiring tale will appeal to everyone who may think of themselves as a fan, whether of the band ABBA, themselves, or someone else.
The play is written by Ian Hallard, who also stars in the show alongside Olivier award-winner Sara Crowe. Mark Gatiss, known for his incredible work in Sherlock, Doctor Who, Dracula, and The League of Gentlemen directs the play. Along with these individuals, the creative team includes casting director Marc Frankum, assistant director Gavin Joseph, lighting designer Andrew Exeter, sound designer Ben Harrison, and set and costume designer Janet Bird. Miriam Margolyes (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) and the late Paul O'Grady have also provided their voices to this dazzling spectacle.
Storyline
The Way Old Friends Do is touted as a touching, inspirational, and entertaining show about two high school buddies. It is the late 1980s in Birmingham when two former classmates decide to come out. One of them comes out as gay, while the other more surprisingly admits to being an ABBA fan. Following a happy reunion thirty years later, the former classmates start the first-ever drag ABBA tribute band. They set out on a tour together, replete with platform boots, fake beards, and some highly attention-grabbing eye candy. Can their renewed friendship withstand the highs and lows of nomadic life? Book your The Way Old Friends Do tickets to find out!
Show timings
Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri: 7:30 PM
Thu & Sat: 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Show timings for The Way Old Friends Do may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Leading Roles
Ian Hallard as Peter
Anton Tweedale as Edward
Donna Berlin as Sally
Sara Crowe as Mrs. Campbell
Andrew Horton as Christian
Rose Shalloo as Jodie
Voice Feature
Miriam Margolyes as the voice of ‘NAN’
The late Paul O’Grady as the voice of the ‘RADIO DJ’
Writer
Ian Hallard
Direction
Mark Gatiss
About Theatre
The Criterion Theatre is a Grade II* listed building and a West End theatre located at Piccadilly Circus in the City of Westminster. It can accommodate up to 589 people. It opened on March 21st, 1874. It has hosted many popular shows, such as French Without Tears, Waiting for Godot, The Waltz of the Toreadors, Tom Foolery, and Run For Your Wife.
Seating Capacity: 589
Criterion Theatre Seating Plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
Getting There
Address: 218-223 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9HR, United Kingdom
Tube: The nearest tube stations to the theatre are Piccadilly Circus, Green Park and Leicester Square
Bus: Bus routes servicing the area include 3, 6, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 38, 88, 94, 139, 159, and 453
Facilities & Accessibility
Available Facilities: Bar, Cloakroom, Restrooms
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible, Assistive Listening System, Accessible Toilets, Guide Dogs Allowed, Access Performances, Visual & Hearing Assistance
Additional Information
Security: Please be aware that for your comfort and security all audience members will be subject to security checks upon arrival at the Criterion Theatre.
Dress Code: Smart and casual wear or semi-formals are recommended. Keep in mind, that most London theatres are air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly.
Outside Food: Most theatres do not allow outside food inside the theatres but most of them also have a café or restaurant inside the premises or nearby.
Tickets Redemption
You will receive an email with your The Way Old Friends Do voucher. Please display the same on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
Buy your The Way Old Friends Do tickets online for a hassle-free and convenient experience that ensures the best deals and discounts.
The cost of the The Way Old Friends Do tickets will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The best way to buy cheap or discounted The Way Old Friends Do tickets is to book them online as you will often come across attractive discounts. Book your The Way Old Friends Do tickets in advance as they tend to get more expensive closer to the show date.
You can easily buy last-minute The Way Old Friends Do tickets online.
Booking The Way Old Friends Do tickets online will give you the opportunity to select your specific seats, thus, ensuring you do not get stuck with partial view seating. But if you try your luck with lottery tickets, or purchase day seats, your seats will be allocated at the discretion of the Box Office, which can potentially mean partial view seating or split seats.
The Way Old Friends Do opens on 17 August 2023 at Criterion Theatre.
The Way Old Friends Do is suitable for ages above 14.
The Way Old Friends Do is playing at Criterion Theatre in London and opens on 17 August 2023
The running time of The Way Old Friends Do is 2 hours and 15 minutes including the intermission.
The Way Old Friends Do is a play about friendship, celebrating and accepting our inner truths and a love for the Swedish pop group ABBA.
The main stars of The Way Old Friends Do are Ian Hallard as Peter, Donna Berlin as Sally, Sara Crowe as Mrs. Campbell, Andrew Horton as Christian, Rose Shalloo as Jodie, and Anton Tweedale as Edward.
There is no specific dress code at West End. However, it is prudent to dress in semi-formals or smart casuals and something comfortable. Carry a light sweater or a jacket as the theatre can get a bit chilly.
No, outside food is not allowed while attending The Way Old Friends Do. Most theatres do have a cafeteria or bar inside the premises where you can get snacks and drinks.
Criterion Theatre has multiple facilities including a bar, gift shop, and toilets available for the audiences during The Way Old Friends Do.
Photography, videography, and sound recording are prohibited inside the theatre. Some theatres do have a souvenir shop from where you can purchase pictures of stills of the show.
