Billie Holiday hits London’s West End
New York star Audra McDonald wows audiences with her portrayal of Lady Day
A new play telling the story of Billie Holiday has transferred from New York to London this summer. Tony, Emmy and Grammy-award winning actress Audra McDonald plays the title role, as The Wyndham’s Theatre is transformed into a run-down Philadelphia bar in 1959, complete with cocktail tables and stools for the front row audience members.
Written by Lanie Robertson, ‘Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar and Grill’ is designed to show Billie at her best and worst – the music comes effortlessly (including a live jazz trio) while the stories she tells expose the loves and losses in her life, tackling the themes of racism, domestic abuse, drugs, drink and suicide.
Recent reviews include those in The Telegraph, The Mail, The FT and Time Out.
‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill’ runs at London’s Wyndham Theatre until September. Tickets available HERE.