Last London Shocker for Peter, April 8-24

By James Inverne
December 9, 2003

The good news for London-based lovers of macabre theatre is that Shockheaded Peter is set to return. The bad news is that this will apparently be Peter's last groan (so to speak - his fate is rather grisly).

The show is based on a collection of particularly savage children's stories by 19th century twisted German wit (and doctor) Heinrich Hoffman. The stories tell of kids having their thumbs cuts off when they won't stop sucking them, little boys drowning, that kind of thing! However, innovative theatre group Cultural Industry used a melodramatic Victorian music-hall setting through which to find both horror and comedy in the tales. Critics and audiences found the mixture bracingly original and, on its debut West End appearance at the Albery in 2001 the show won the Olivier Award of Best Entertainment.

Following a 2002 transfer to the Piccadilly, the show is due to make a last appearance at the Lyric, Hammersmith with 18 performances between April 8 and 24, 2004. Included will be the original Tiger Lillies's music.

For ticket information call (0)8700 500511.