Duck Variations by David Mamet

Benchmark Theatre is proud to bring ‘Duck Variations’ to Stage Left, at The Palace Theatre , Paignton on October 1st as part of their 2023 South West Tour. 

Darn tootin’… A couple of old guys chew the fat ‘bout existentialism and stuff…Have you ever seen two older men on a park bench and wondered what they might be discussing?  Now is your chance to find out!  

George and Emil sit on a park bench overlooking a lake and talk about life, death and their rapidly changing world. Their spiky conversation touches on ageing, power, politics, environment, philosophy, mortality, and Sure as shootin’! … ducks!

Duck Variations by David Mamet affectionately explores the games people play to engage in a conversation and touches wittily upon the need for human connection and friendship especially in older age. Witty, playful, sometimes surreal, and occasionally poignant Duck Variations is a delightfully combative hour of character-led debate by Pulitzer Prize winning American playwright, screenwriter / director, and provocateur, David Mamet (Oleanna, Glengarry Glen Ross, American Buffalo, , The Untouchables, House of Games, The Penitent (2023)).

This philosophical comedy features Exeter actors Mark Cassidy (Boo to a Goose Theatre) and Mark Shorto (EXE Ensemble) and is directed by Alistair Ganley . 

The  show has had successful runs at Theatre Fest North Devon and the Shaftesbury Fringe during the summer.

Fans of classic theatre will enjoy the odd-couple comedy, sharp exchanges, moments of absurd humour as well as delicate poignancy as George and Emil face up to their own mortality whilst considering the important questions of life. Fans of David Mamet, the great American provocateur, will relish the opportunity to see this early play with its characteristically pithy dialogue and finely drawn characters, apparently based on two of Mamet’s old uncles, and set in Chicago, over looking Lake Michigan.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see Mamet’s classic early comedy, performed by two skillful actors at a theatre near you!