Based on the Nobel Prize-winning novel by Boris Pasternak, Dr. Zhivago takes us on an epic journey of heartbreaking romance, following the search for love during the final days of Czarist Russia.
Yurii Andreyevich Zhivago who was raised as an aristocrat is a political idealist, physician, and poet. His life is tossed by the tides of history when he finds himself torn between a life with his wife and the passionate and mysterious Lara Guishar. Not alone in his yearnings for Lara, Zhivago must compete with both revolutionaries and aristocracy alike to win the heart of the woman he cannot live without.
Presented by Lambert Jackson Productions the concert takes place at Cadogan Hall, London on September 1st, at 2 pm and 6.30 pm.
The Artiscape spoke with West End actor Matthew Woodyatt who is starring as Victor Komarovksy in this UK concert premiere.
His theatre credits include The Light in the Piazza (Southbank Centre), The Assassination of Katie Hopkins (Theatr Clwyd), The Invisible Man (Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch), Fiddler on the Roof (Chichester Festival Theatre), Moving Stories and Much Ado About Nothing, War Horse (National Theatre).
We asked Woodyatt what he is most looking forward to in performing in Dr. Zhivago?
Woodyatt: I always relish the chance to show work to a British audience for the very first time – it’s a real privilege to unwrap something for someone that they’ve never seen or perhaps even heard before. I also get to share the stage with an amazing cast and stunning orchestra to tell this story. It’s going to be a thing to behold I think.
What attracted Woodyatt to the script?
Woodyatt: Pasternak’s book, in true Russian fashion, is epic. To find that the script and score of the musical honour and build on the original material so deftly and honestly is an amazing thing. Also, a story about art and the role of the artist during times of political and global upheaval couldn’t be more prescient at the moment, could it?
We asked him to tell us about the character he plays?
Woodyatt: Viktor Komarovsky is a wonderful creation who is equally [and] brilliantly realised in all forms that ‘Doctor Zhivago’ has taken over the last 60 years. His name, Komarovsky means ‘mosquito’ in Russian so you immediately get an idea of the man.
He’s charming and witty but also venal and amoral and he always manages to end up on the winning side of the various conflicts and schisms that happen during the story. He’s actually a very modern character and I think he’ll be an extremely recognisable figure for our audience.
Finally, we asked him, what he feels an audience will like about this concert?
Woodyatt: The score, the score and the score! Lucy Simon has written something which manages to be Russian, epic and earthy but also delicate, romantic and tender – which is no mean feat! Hearing this score sung by our amazing cast in the beautiful surroundings of the Cadogan Hall will make it a very special evening.
To book tickets for Dr. Zhivago visit this website.
