World Premiere
The Taste of the Town is the second play in Hogarth's Progress | Written by Nick Dear | Directed by Anthony Banks
A highly imaginative comedy that makes Hogarth the Warhol of the 18th century' New York Times on The Art of Success
Set in an imagined version of eighteenth century London, Hogarth’s Progress is a riotous double bill of plays following one of Britain’s most celebrated artists on two spectacularly wild days and nights – one at the beginning of his career and one at the end.
The plays explore the extraordinary life of William Hogarth and the mass commercialisation of art in a time that saw British culture spring from the drawing rooms of the wealthy into ordinary homes across the country. Filled with political satire, boisterous romps and sleazy characters, Hogarth’s Progress promises to be an extraordinary theatrical event not to be missed.
The double bill begins with the first major revival of The Art of Success, which was first performed by the RSC in 1986 before transferring to the Barbican and New York. Compressing the artist’s ascent to fame into a single, action-filled night, Dear follows a larger-than-life Hogarth as he mingles with famous playwrights and artists, royalty and prostitutes, prime ministers and murderesses creating an exceedingly imaginative, thoroughly scurrilous, but nonetheless highly entertaining portrait of a world on the brink of transformation. The second play, The Taste of the Town, catches up with Hogarth 30 years later, finding him now hugely successful, yet still at odds with the world and with himself. Old and tired he may be, but there’s always time for one more fight.
BAFTA winning writer Nick Dear's previous work includes his smash hit adaptation of Frankestein (National Theatre/NT Live) directed by Danny Boyle and starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Johnny Lee Miller. Anthony Banks was an Associate Director at the National Theatre for a decade
Cancellation PolicyNo exchanges or refunds after purchase
Suitable For ChildrenAges 14+
Performance Times21 September 2018 - 11 October 2018
Where Do I GoRose Theatre Kingston
24-26 High Street
Kingston
KT1 1HL
By Train
Kingston Station: South West Trains, 28mins from Waterloo, then 10mins stroll through Kingston town centre to the theatre (directions available from walkit.com).
Surbiton Station: South West Trains, 16mins from Waterloo, then 10mins bus ride (465, 281, 71, K2, K3 from outside Waitrose, bus stop NC) or a short taxi ride to the theatre. Our area is serviced by hybrid car company Green Tomato Cars, who aim to reduce their environmental impact.
National Rail Enquiries
By Bus
Road works: Construction work on Kingston High Street has begun and will continue through the summer. Click here to see where the works will be taking place.
The following routes serve the town centre: K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, X26, 57, 65, 71, 85, 111, 131, 213, 216, 281, 285, 371, 406, 411, 418, 465, 481. For detailed bus information for Kingston visit TFL Buses or Kingston Bus Route Map.
Please note travel information is subject to change. Please check with the service provider before you travel.
Upcoming road works: Construction work on Kingston High Street is planned to commence on Tue 8 May and continue through the summer. Click here to see where the works will be taking place and the bus stops affected.
By Foot
We are opposite the Guildhall and the Police Station, a one-minute walk from Kingston's Marketplace. For the best walking directions, visit walkit.com.
By Car
Road works: Construction work on Kingston High Street has begun and will continue through the summer. Click here to see where the works will be taking place.
The nearest parking is the Rose Car Park, the entrance to which is on East Lane (KT1 2NN). As the Rose is a new building and not yet recognised by older Satnav systems, those not wishing to park should using the following postcode: KT1 1LB (Kingston Police Station).
If you park after 5.30pm and attend an evening performance, we can offer a reduced parking fee of £2. Please present your entry ticket at the Box Office before 7pm. We will charge the discounted fee and issue an exit ticket. Car park tickets presented to Rose Theatre staff after this time may not be accepted and full car park fees will be applicable.
Please note: the reduced parking offer is only valid on shows where tickets have been sold through the Rose Theatre Box Office
