Variation on a Theme (play)


Variation on a Theme is a 1958 play by the British writer Terence Rattigan. It is a reworking of Alexandre Dumas, fils's nineteenth century novel and subsequent play La Dame aux Camélias.

Original production

Directed by John Gielgud, the play opened, at the Globe Theatre, London, on 8 May 1958, with the following cast:

Reception

While not received well by the critics, the play ran for 132 performances. Kenneth Tynan wrote in The Observer:
"As far as I could see the star of the show was Norman Hartnell, from whose contributions – a white diamanté sack, a shocking-pink cocktail dress in pleated chiffon, a casual ensemble of blouse and pedal-pushing slacks, and a two-tiered ball-gown in navy-blue pebble-crèpe – the lean extremities of Margaret Leighton nervously protuded."

1966 TV adaptation

The play was adapted for British television in 1966.

Cast