Patrick Wilde, writer of Get Real, is collaborating with Oscar-winning lyricist Tim Rice to revamp BLONDEL, the musical Tim wrote with the late Stephen Oliver in 1983.

Fast, funny and lyrically brilliant, this new version of the show is shorter and sharper than the original and startlingly relevant. Clearly 25 years ahead of its time back then, it addresses issues of today such as celebrity, war, politics, the monarchy, race and the difficulty of getting your songs played. BLONDEL will make you think as well as laugh and is a delightful alternative to panto this Christmas.

In the reign of Richard The Lionheart, Blondel is an unfairly (in his view) unappreciated court musician, desperate for fame and fortune until his realisation that there are more important things in life – honesty, bravery and Fiona, the woman he loves. He is caught up in the political crises of the time; the leader of the country has taken the nation into a dodgy war in the Middle East, his deputy is a dishonest and lecherous man who is after his job, fame and celebrity seems to be the watchwords of the day, illegal immigrants are treated badly and indiscriminate killers stalk the whole of Europe. Only Prince John’s tights remind us that this is the 12th century, not the 21st.

BLONDEL opens at the Pleasance Theatre in Islington on 23rd November (previews 21st/22nd November) until 31st December 2006. Performances from Tues-Sat at 7.30pm, Sunday at 5pm and matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. Call 020 7609 1800 or visit pleasance.co.uk