Take Desire Away 2024

Info

Take Desire Away takes place on Friday the 23rd February 2024.

Take Desire Away - The queer sensibility of A.E. Housman in his own words. Conceived and performed by Mansel David

Mansel David revives his acclaimed show about A.E. Housman, the classics scholar whose self-published 1896 poem cycle A Shropshire Lad became a publishing phenomenon and connected deeply with thousands of young men. He brings a clear, queer eye to Housman’s words – both his wistful poems and very funny letters – and discovers the yearning and passion burning beneath them. David’s career spans TV (including Yes Prime Minster and The Magnificent Evans), radio drama and stage roles, including in London’s West End. His solo show Crummles, inspired by Charles Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby, has toured extensively in Europe and the United States.

“A crafted, beautifully delivered homage to Housman…I was constantly engaged. At one stage, Houseman writes, ‘Only the archangel Raphael could read my poetry properly’. Obviously he hasn’t head Mansel David do so.” International Dublin Gay Theatre Reviews

“A polished, effective and very accomplished performance.” Diarmaid Ferriter, RTE The View

“Mansel’s performance was outstanding, he wasn’t just reading a poem or a letter but with each word that he delivered… he gave us his heart, he gave us emotion we believed and understood the yearning and passion burning beneath Housman’s words. Just exquisite and an evening of wonderful heartfelt theatre.” Grove Theatre, Eastbourne Review