Simon Russell Beale Returns to Stage in Liberace Play, 'I'll Be Seeing You'

Sir Simon Russell Beale is back on stage, portraying the iconic Las Vegas showman Liberace in Martin Sherman's new play, "I'll Be Seeing You," at the Festival Theatre in Pitlochry. This marks Beale's return to the theatre just 12 months after withdrawing from a production due to a colon cancer diagnosis. The 65-year-old actor, described as an astonishing Liberace lookalike, appears hale and hearty in the role.

The play, written by Martin Sherman, author of the 1979 work "Bent," is characterized as a "neurotic attempt to assess Liberace's legacy." Liberace, known as "Mr Showmanship," was the world's highest-paid entertainer at his peak from the 1950s to the 1970s. He was famous for his flamboyant piano performances, elaborate costumes, and the signature candelabra. He also famously denied his homosexuality throughout his life, even as he became HIV positive before his death in 1987.

The production features Beale's Liberace making several entrances, including one where he is flown in on a wire, dressed in a white feather gown and an Elvis-style wig. Another notable entrance involves a 2D mock-up of Liberace's customized Rolls Royce, driven by his chauffeur and boyfriend, Scott Thorson, played by Ali Watt.

Directed by Alan Cumming and Ben Occhipinti, the play aims to explore generational conflicts within the gay community. It contrasts the older generation, who felt compelled to conceal their sexuality to avoid professional and legal repercussions, with a younger generation represented by a character written as a "ripped, hairless, tattooed, drug-fuelled sex junkie" portrayed by Fra Fee. The playwright, 87-year-old Martin Sherman, also makes an appearance at the end of the play.

Beale is lauded for his performance, appearing in a series of extravagant outfits. The play includes sharp wit, such as when Fee's character accuses Liberace of lying spectacularly, to which Liberace retorts, "I do everything spectacularly!" A humorous moment involves Liberace's mother, played by Anne Lacey, stating the only reason her son didn't live with her was her lack of a driver's license. However, the review notes instances of "crass vulgarity" and questions the portrayal of Fee's character as a "sex-object."

Overall, "I'll Be Seeing You" is described as a play that is simultaneously salacious and censorious, admiring and condemning its subject. The critical assessment suggests a lack of clear conflict between Liberace and the writer character, instead presenting a blend of sentimentality, anger, burlesque, and seriousness. Despite the play's perceived flaws, Beale's return to the stage is celebrated, reinforcing his status as a "junior national treasure."