Barrymore back, on the West End stage
Comic Michael Barrymore is to begin his rehabilitation with British fans by doing a season on the West End stage, it was announced today.
The 51-year-old star was dumped by ITV late last year following the death of party-goer Stuart Lubbock in his swimming pool.
The funnyman will perform a seven-week run at Wyndham’s Theatre in London
He has already begun to rebuild his career by performing in New Zealand and is now hoping to extend the comeback with the UK shows.
Barrymore’s one-man show begins with a four-week stint starting on September 15, and he then adds a further three weeks from October 20. Also performing shows at the theatre are Lenny Henry and Bill Bailey.
Barrymore said today: “I am delighted to be returning to my roots and my first love of live theatre and am very much looking forward to performing to a West End audience.”
A spokeswoman for the shows said: “Physical, lively and displaying all the versatility that put him at the forefront of British entertainment, Michael’s new show will confirm his reputation as one of Britain’s top male entertainers.”
“We are sure every night will be special and different, and with Barrymore’s unique improvisational skill – who knows what might happen.”
Barrymore was Britain’s best-loved entertainer, adored for his unpredictable, madcap behaviour and his effortless interaction with his audience.
But his tangled private life finally overshadowed his talent in the wake of Lubbock’s death at the comic’s home in Harlow, Essex.
Lubbock had been found with severe anal injuries after attending a party at the property.
TV bosses stuck by Barrymore for many months, during a police investigation which resulted in a caution for drugs offences.
But after an inquest into the death recorded an open verdict, ITV said it had no plans to commission any more shows with him, effectively ending his TV career.
Barrymore refused to answer a number of questions at the inquest and witnesses claimed he had rubbed cocaine into Lubbock’s gums, although the presenter denied this.
Detectives launched a new investigation into Lubbock’s death earlier this year after Barrymore’s lawyer suggested the severe injuries were caused at a hospital after he was in the pool.
Barrymore sought help for his drink and drug use after the death.
Speaking about earlier this year about his performances in New Zealand theatres, he said: “That’s my home, that’s my front room.
“Me, just myself, and the crowd having a night out. It’s wonderful, what’s wrong with that? It’s an audience.”
He added: “I’m a big boy, I have to learn to grow up. I have done my growing up and I will say it’s time to start again, and I have started as a live performer in the theatres.”
