The Stripper is set in 1961 California and follows hard-boiled detective Al Wheeler who is taken into the sleazy underworld of strip-joints and lonely hearts clubs as he tries to solve a mysterious death. When he ventures into Club Extravaganza, he soon realises that the truth isn't the only thing he's about to uncover...
The show, which is embarking on its first UK run in seven years, is produced by Scala Theatre. Producer Chris Wheeler comments, "The Stripper is such a crazy show that it was something we just had to revive. We believe that theatre should be about having fun and being entertained - something which this production does in abundance.
Chris adds, "The St James Theatre Studio space is ideal for a show like this. It is laid out cabaret style and allows for an almost immersive feel. As the majority of the show is set in a club, we wanted to recreate that within this space. Lighting plays a huge role in creating the film noir feel. Hence we approached WL to provide us with the equipment to do this."
Having previously provided the lighting to the St James Theatre's main space, this was the first time that WL had worked in the studio.
Chris states: "This is the first year in which the studio is housing full runs of productions. It's a really exciting season to be a part of and we are grateful to WL for their support".
The show runs until 13 August. It is sponsored by Vivien of Holloway, who supplied a number of 1960s costumes.
Bryan Raven, WL's managing director, comments, "We are currently supplying the lighting to the St James Theatre main space along with the studio. It's fantastic for us as an organisation to be working with an exciting young company such as Scala Theatre. They have already produced some fantastic shows in London and we look forward to developing this relationship."
The Stripper has lyrics by Richard O'Brien who is still best known for the The Rocky Horror Show, the first-ever production that WL supplied the lighting for back in 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre.
Bryan adds, "It's great that we are able to support another show penned by Richard O'Brien, more than forty years after the first. It's also great that during those forty years we have been able to continue supplying shows of all shapes and sizes, bringing musicals such as The Stripper to an entirely new generation."
(Jim Evans)
