'Funny Girl' Star Natasha J Barnes To Appear At The Tabard Theatre

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West End musical star will feature in London revival of Tryst

In her first starring role since taking over from Sheridan Smith in Funny Girl, Natasha J Barnes, is cast in the first London revival for 20 years of the thriller Tryst by Karoline Leach, at the Tabard Theatre.

Directed by Phoebe Barran, Tryst will play from 12 October to 5 November, 2017.

Tryst will be the first show at the theatre since the venue has been taken over by new management and given a full refurbishment. Based on a true story, this tense drama tells of serial fraudster, George Love, who encounters a naïve and vulnerable shop-girl, Adelaide Pinchin.

Seduced by his charm and elaborate stories of a life she’s never known, Adelaide agrees to run away with him in a secret tryst. What ensues shocks them both as their plans begin to unravel in frightening and unpredictable ways. The story begins as a romantic drama but soon evolves into a thriller with a startling climax.

Natasha said, “I read, or devoured, Tryst in one sitting and knew straight away I wanted to be a part of it. After learning so much taking over the lead in Funny Girl at The Savoy, I knew I would want my next project to be something really challenging. I’m not frightened of making myself vulnerable and I feel a straight play with such a small cast will be so different to what I’ve been doing recently and so exciting. I am a massive advocate for seeing the work of more female directors and I can’t wait to see what Phoebe will bring to the piece.”

The cast also features Fred Perry of the Tabard Theatre. Creative team: Set and Costume Designer Max Dorey. Lighting Designer Matt Drury. Sound Designer Dave McSeveny

Karoline Leach is a British playwright and author, best known for her book In the Shadow of the Dreamchild.

Tryst premiered in the West End in 1997 starring Paul Nicholas and Susan Penhaligon, before opening on Broadway in 2006.

Natasha first came to the public’s attention when she stepped into the role of Fanny Brice for the West End run of Funny Girl at the Savoy Theatre, becoming a 5-star critical wonder - The Daily Telegraph calling her “a sensation in her own right… She has a charisma and twinkling mischief that’s irresistible’” and from The Daily Mail, “An exceptional lead performance”.

This was swiftly followed by Natasha playing the title role in the Palladium’s all-star Cinderella at Christmas. She has since completed a major UK and Ireland tour of Funny Girl reprising the role of Fanny Brice. Her debut single, Supermodel, will be released in the Autumn.

September 14, 2017