News Article
Preview: My Night with Reg
23 May 26
Barry Heselden introduces his comedy of love, loss, longing and lies, which sees a group of gay friends forced to confront the secrets they share – and the truths they avoid. He also shares some rehearsal shots. As well as reading the preview below, you can listen to Barry and cast member Iain Prest talk about the play on Riverside Radio here. (12 minutes in if you want to skip to the interview)
What inspired you to revive this play?
I performed in this play almost 30 years ago in Brighton, playing the part of John. It had a powerful effect on me, and the audiences that came to see it. Reviving it now felt like a perfect opportunity to revisit its themes – and also I have never seen it on stage from the audience!
My Night with Reg is a beautifully written play that is wonderfully funny, winning the Olivier award for best comedy in 1995, but it will also have you reaching for your hanky to wipe away a tear.
What themes does the play explore?
The play is set in the 1980s amongst a group of gay friends and as we rehearse, we are finding so many layers to each character and their lives. Friendship, love, loyalty and fidelity are explored whilst the rising AIDS crisis looms in the background.
Tell us about the characters we'll meet.
The three central characters are Guy, John and Daniel, friends since university, now in their mid-thirties. We first meet them gathering at Guy’s home for his flat warming.
Guy (Iain Prest) is one of the nicest people you could hope to meet. His open nature leads everyone to unburden their woes to him.
John (Robert Willoughby) is the one that everyone fancied at university, confident but with a vulnerability that we only see occasionally.
Daniel (David Lindley-Pilley), the flamboyant one of the three, is the glue that binds them. A joyful character, funny and caring but as the play progresses we seem him fall apart and then start to rebuild his life.
Eric (Paddy McCourt) is the youngest of the gang. A sweet young boy when we first meet him, we later see him grow in confidence and become a beautiful man.
The rest are joined by Bernie (Guy Jones) & Benny (Greg Williams) (. An odd couple! Bernie sells plastic cups with a personality of equal character and vivacity to his wares. Benny is a bus driver, “He’s the one that people warm to” as Bernie informs us.
What have been the directing challenges for you?
The first challenge is casting – selecting the people you think showed you something extra, something special at the auditions and hoping they will gel and that you can build a team. Any fears I had on that topic disappeared very quickly as these six actors have brought such dedication and warmth to the process. I don’t think I could have hoped for a better band of players. From day one they have all wanted to work hard to explore their characters and the world they inhabit.
Describe the play in three words.
Funny, poignant, friendship.
My Night with Reg plays at SLT Fire Station 2 – 6 June 2026. Buy tickets here.