The Birds and the Bees, a comedy starring Helen Lederer and Michael Starke, arrives at Richmond Theatre as part of its UK tour this June.
On Gail’s East Anglian farm, the honeybees are beginning to dry up, just like her love life. She hasn’t had her chimney swept since her husband bolted. Her daughter’s marriage is drooping just like her turkey farm. Neighbour Earl’s sugar beet yield is turning sour, as are his one-night stands.
Perhaps bio-student Ben can buck up those bees and trigger those turkeys. It could be that some booze and a boogie at the annual Turkey Day Dance will clear the buzzing in their heads and show them it’s best to commit to those closest to you – only, don’t get stung!
Writer and actor Lederer (Absolutely Fabulous) stars as Gail, with Starke (Brookside) as Earl. They are joined on stage by Laura Doddington and Jacob Bukasa as Ben.
Originally a Canadian comedy written by Mark Crawford, it has been reimagined for a UK audience, shifting the action from modern-day Canada to Norfolk. Additional material comes from James McDermott.
The Birds and the Bees is a New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich, Norwich Theatre and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds coproduction. It is directed by Peter Rowe. The set and costume designer is Dawn Allsopp, with lighting design from Richard G Jones. The casting director is Debbie O’Brien.
The Birds and the Bees plays at Richmond Theatre from June 6-10.