An Evening with Lucian Freud

by Laura-Jane Foley

It is the day of Laura’s PhD viva and she arrives early at the university research office. While she waits, she recounts the extraordinary tale of the evening she spent with the artist Lucian Freud.

Based on a real life encounter, this personal, anecdotal tale is blended with art historical and biographical insights and features a range of fictionalized sitters who have been on the receiving end of Freud’s unflinching gaze.

Laura-Jane Foley’s compelling monologue with video cameos takes us inside Lucian Freud’s studio and lays bare the fascinating and complex character of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. The play explores the themes of memory, permanence and creativity, and ultimately reflects on how artists, and writers, must use people to make their art.

An Evening with Lucian Freud received its world premiere at the Leicester Square Theatre, London on 19th May 2015.

*** "Foley’s play offers a teasing promise of revelation, with Cressida Bonas offering an engaging performance" The Daily Telegraph