GENTLEMEN
Premiered at the Arcola Theatre in October 2023. Its month long run received rave 4 and 5 star reviews, and The Telegraph included the production in its ‘Best Theatre of 2023’. Dominic Cavendish described GENTLEMEN as ‘the best new play about university power-games ... since David Mamet’s Oleanna’. The production received 3 Off West End Awards nominations, including one for Best New Play. The play text is published by Aurora Metro.
“You’ve got to throw yourself in, yeah? Do you see? Have to throw yourself right in, whatever that entails.”
Freshers’ term. Greg has taken to university life like a duck to water. Kasper is struggling to fit in.
Summoned to a mediation session with Kasper and the college welfare officer to discuss an accusation of plagiarism, Greg deftly argues his way out of trouble. But when the allegations evolve into something altogether more damaging, how long can Greg remain untouchable?
GENTLEMEN examines what happens when culture turns toxic, and how a fear of not fitting in risks everyone losing out.
Matt is working on a returning TV drama series adaptation of GENTLEMEN. Contact Matt if you want to know more.
"Gentlemen is a powerful and moving examination of relative emotional truth, shocking and engaging in equal measure, which haunts me still, and I am quite convinced that Matt Parvin has a bright future ahead of him."
Lord Julian Fellowes, Creator of DOWNTON ABBEY
★★★★★ “From time to time a play comes along that ticks every box and gives a surprise treatment to a contemporary topic.” – Broadway Baby
★★★★★ “Truly faultless” – London Fringe Theatre Reviews
★★★★ “Challenging and provocative drama about discrimination, class and toxic masculinity...the three-strong cast deliver gripping performances.” – The Stage
★★★★ “A cynical glance at the unhealthy microcosmos of the Oxbridge lot.” – Broadway World
★★★★ “The moral tangles and muddied sense of right and wrong which the play toys with are fascinating.” – The Spy In The Stalls
★★★★ “The plot twists in this riveting production drew audible gasps from the audience.” – London Theatre1
★★★★ “Thriller-esque in its execution.” – The Reviews Hub
★★★★ “A must-see for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and memorable night at the theatre.” – Westend Wilma
GENTLEMEN was directed by Richard Speir, and starred Issam Al Ghussain, Charlie Beck, and Edward Judge.
GENTLEMEN was due to premiere in March 2020, a production starring Will Merrick, Danny Kirrane, and Ralph Prosser, but the production was postponed due to the pandemic.
