The Code Tickets

Hollywood, 1950: screen idol Tallulah Bankhead reunites with her friend Billy Haines, a former star who plans to make his exit from Hollywood, over cocktails. Joining them are cutthroat agent Henry Wilson and his beautiful, dangerous new protege Chad Manford, each with his own agenda. Tensions rise and secrets are revealed as this unlikely group grapples with the realities of the shadowy glamour of Hollywood. In a homophobic industry where image is everything, can they reconcile their identities with the unspoken code that controls and dictates their image and identities?

This witty, biting story about identity, loyalty, and ambition in the Golden Age of Hollywood is written by acclaimed playwright Michael McKeever and directed by Tony Award nominee Christopher Renshaw (The King and I, We Will Rock You), with a stellar cast that includes Olivier Award-winning Tracie Bennett (Hairspray, Follies, Here We Are), John Partridge (EastEnders, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Solomon Davy (Hairspray, Grease) and Nick Blakeley (Underdog: The Other Brontë, Goodbye Christopher Robin). Inspired by real life historical figures, this new original drama will plunge you straight into the glittering, brutal world of Hollywood, with a searing commentary on identity and image that feels just as relevant today as it did in the 1950s.

If you love classic Hollywood and queer cinema, book now to catch the UK premiere of this powerful play in the intimate setting of the Southwark Playhouse Elephant.