The Way Old Friends Do cast post-show Q&A at the Criterion Theatre. © Peter Jones

The Way Old Friends Do cast post-show Q&A at the Criterion Theatre. © Peter Jones

In my first West End post-show Q&A for The Way Old Friends Do last month, director Mark Gatiss was asked for his thoughts on the actors who bring to life his husband Ian Hallard’s new comedy about the world’s first ABBA drag tribute band. At the follow-up session last night, we got to hear what the cast thinks of Mark! 

And of Ian. And of ABBA. And of gender-swapping dream roles. And of applying for jobs via The Stage. And their journey with the production, which premiered at Birmingham Rep in January before moving to London’s Park Theatre and touring the UK, prior to its current West End transfer.

In the late 1980s, school friends Edward and Peter tentatively come out to one another: one as gay, the other as an ABBA fan. Fast-forward 30+ years when they reunite and have the inspired idea to form the world’s first ABBA tribute band…in drag! But will a handsome (potentially sociopathic) Australian photographer wreck their friendship… and the band?

For last night’s discussion, writer Ian Hallard (who also plays Peter / Agnetha) was joined by fellow cast members (l-r): Sara Crowe, Anton Tweedale, Andrew Horton, Donna Berlin and Rose Shalloo.

The Way Old Friends Do finishes at the West End’s Criterion Theatre this Saturday 9 September 2023. 

Q&A video

 

Q&A photos

Event photography by Peter Jones.

 

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