Oysters

A new dark comedy by Neil Salvage, with live music

Johannes Brahms is attending a party to celebrate the first performance of his Violin Concerto – but his genius is overshadowed by his self-destructive ego.

His friends are all there, but everyone is caught in a seething cauldron of passionate recriminations – and darkly hilarious outcomes. Everyone has their own agenda - the arthritic, embittered and ageing Clara Schumann from his past: jealous, unstable virtuoso Josef Joachim; pompous and waspish critic Hanslick - and gentle friend and disciple Von Herzogenberg. As the evening progresses and emotions turn on a sixpence, the play moves to its extraordinary conclusion fuelled by turbulent feelings and farcical misunderstandings.

Laughing through our tears we are continually challenged with the questions: Why art? - and what price do we pay for it?

Performed by an award-winning cast including Nicholas Collett (RSC, West End), Neil Salvage (RNT, Old Vic). Directed by Amy Bonsall, designed by Maddy Sinclair.