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Dateline: 23rd December, 2003 Benson Goes International David Benson's four solo theatre shows will be touring internationally throughout the first half of 2004, in what is his busiest tour since his debut show Think No Evil Of Us: My Life With Kenneth Williams toured in the wake of its Edinburgh Fringe First winning premiere. That tour finished in the West End, and his 2004 schedule starts there, with a run at Jermyn Street Theatre for his latest show, Star Struck. This fantasy celebrity party is 'hosted' by Noel Coward and features Benson's childhood heroes including Frank Sinatra, Eric Morecambe and Judy Garland. As well as playing in Amsterdam, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Star Struck has already been confirmed at ten UK venues, including Komedia Brighton (18 January), Oldham Coliseum (13 May), and Poole Lighthouse (21/22 May). Benson's show about Kenneth Williams remains incredibly popular with audiences, with a mini-tour earlier this month seeing all performances sell out in advance, and ten venues across the UK lined up for 2004, including The Capitol Horsham (6 May), York Grand Opera House (14 May), and the Wyvern Swindon (27 May). David has recently been heard on Radio 4 voicing the series The Private World of Kenneth Williams, which will be released in an extended CD version by the BBC in April. Benson's tribute to Frankie Howerd, To Be Frank, will be touring to the Old Town Hall in Hemel Hempstead (6 March) and Falmouth Arts Centre (22 April) in 2004, whilst he works with ITN on a documentary about the comedian's life that is scheduled to include footage of To Be Frank and an interview exploring his research into the life of the famously elusive Howerd. The recent announcement of an inquest into the death of Princess Diana has brought renwed relevance to Mourning Glory, Benson's show about the national reaction to Diana's demise. The show premiered to rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe in 1998 and was also seen at Jermyn Street Theatre in 2000. In 2004 it can be seen at the Hazlitt Theatre Maidstone (25 February) and the Maltings St. Albans (26 February), with other dates being added following incredible demand from venues. This tour is Benson's first under the management of James Seabright, a London-based producer who was awarded the Theatre Investment Fund New Producers Bursary in 2002. His other touring companies in 2004 are Ophaboom, Total Theatre Award winners Wishbone, and Perrier nominated stand-up comedian Paul Foot, plus Edinburgh Festival Highlights 2004. More details online at www.seabright.info.
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