Play: The Libertine at Landor Theatre, Wandsworth (From Sutton Guardian)

Play: The Libertine at Landor Theatre, Wandsworth

12:05pm Thursday 13th August 2009

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If John Wilmot, the second Earl of Rochester, was alive today he would probably be splashed all over the tabloid front pages alongside Pete Doherty and Katie Price, such was his reputation in the 17th century.

The philanderer's short life, he died from syphilis at just 33 years of age, was made in to a play, The Libertine, by Stephen Jeffreys in 1994 that was adapted for the big screen in a film starring Johnny Depp.

"I have a fantastic team supporting me but at the end of the day if something goes wrong with the lighting it's blamed on me, not the lighting guy."

Director Dan West

It's latest reincarnation will be performed by the Kensington Drama Company at the Landor Theatre this week and director Dan West has opted to stick to the Jeffreys original rather than the Hollywood version.

"It is pretty much in the manner of the original play," he says.

"The film was edited quite extremely but we decided to keep to the script as much as possible.

"It is based in the 1650s and chronicles the last 10 years of Wilmot's life after he was banished from London by Charles II.

"He was brought back though because he was such an entertaining character, a bit like celebrities are these days.

"He was all over town and everyone was interested in what he was up to.

"He goes back to London with his wife but falls in love with a stage actress called Elizabeth Barry.

"She uses him to get her standing in the London stage scene but once she is done with him she rejects him and he spirals into alcoholism.

"He was known for his whoring as well and ends up dying of syphilis with his wife, who is still very much in love him, at his side."

The play is the first Dan has directed having spent time on the stage before, and he admits it is different being behind the camera.

"I have been involved in front of the camera a fair few times before but I just thought it would be nice to make a change and direct," he says.

"There's a lot more pressure to it because you have to consider everything like costumes and lighting.

"I have a fantastic team supporting me but at the end of the day if something goes wrong with the lighting it's blamed on me, not the lighting guy."

The Libertine, Landor Theatre, Landor Road, August 18 to 22, 7.30pm, £12. Call 020 7737 7276 or visit landortheatre.co.uk.

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