The Tailor Made Man

by Claudio Macor

Stage Door Theatre 9 May – 31 July 2024

The powerful true story about the Hollywood studio system and its hypocrisy and the star who gave up everything for the man he loved, is revised as the inaugural play at the Stage Door Theatre, the first pub theatre in the West End.

William “Billy” Haines was a popular silent screen MGM movie star who was fired by Louis B Mayer because he was gay and refused to give up his lifelong partner, Jimmie Shields, and marry the silent screen vamp Pola Negri.

As punishment, his films were removed from release and sealed in the MGM vaults never to be seen again, and his studio photographs destroyed. It was an attempt to erase him completely from movie history. But Billy and Jimmy’s turbulent, passionate love affair was to survive and lasted over 50 years…this is their story.

“The chemistry between Hugo Pilcher and Gwithian Evans is palpable.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Scene Magazine)

“Finally I have managed to see Claudio Macor’s delightful true early Hollywood story at the Stage Door Theatre.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Aline Waites Reviews)

“Pilcher makes a strong London debut as Billy Haines, eminently believable as the cocky pretty-boy…”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (All That Dazzles)

“Hugo Pilcher really looks and sounds the part as Billy.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (LondonTheatre1)

“The performances, and the writing, draw us into the fascinating story…”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (The Spy in the Stalls)

“The Tailor-Made Man is a well-written, sharp and engrossing real-life drama.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (LouReviews)

“The casting of The Tailor-Made Man is superb.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Theatre and Arts Reviews)

“Hugo Pilcher shines as Billy Haines, the nineteen thirties Hollywood star consigned to oblivion.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (ReviewsGate)

“An incredible show with brilliant staging and a heartbreaking story.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Adventures in Theatreland)

“Hugo Pilcher does a brilliant job of creating the impulsive and charming Billy.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (London Living Large)

“The two had fantastic chemistry and worked well as a duo.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Tab in the City)

CAST

William “Billy” Haines: Hugo Pilcher
Jimmie Shields / E. Mason Hopper / Roderick: Gwithian Evans
Howard Strickling / Victor Darro: Peter Rae
Marion Davies: Shelley Rivers
Miss Carey / Pola Negri / Carole Lombard: Olivia Ruggerio
Louis B. Mayer: Dereck Walker

CREATIVES

Writer: Claudio Macor
Director: Robert McWhir
Designer: David Shields
Costume Design: Janet Huckle
Original Composition: Aaron Clingham
Lighting Design: Richard Lambert
Video Design: Steve Caplin
Production Photography: Peter Davies