Cecil Beaton's Diaries NYC Reviews and Tickets

75%

(44 Ratings)

Positive

86%

Mixed

12%

Negative

Members say

Entertaining, Great acting, Clever, Intelligent, Absorbing

About the Show

A theatrical adaptation of the diaries of the famous photographer to the rich, famous, and powerful.

For the first time, the diaries of photographer and designer Sir Cecil Beaton are presented on stage to accompany his most iconic images of everybody from film stars like Marilyn Monroe to political figures like Winston Churchill. Beaton’s photographs displayed his versatility while his diaries made known his inner demons. Not even his acclaimed designs for My Fair Lady could quiet his restless mind, and his passion for Greta Garbo was as complicated as it was powerful.

Blisteringly funny, with appearances ranging from the Queen Mother and Elizabeth Taylor to Audrey Hepburn and Truman Capote, the diaries paint a self-portrait of the 20th century’s most interesting dandy.

Adapted and Performed by Richard Stirling.

Show-Score Member Reviews (44)

Fine storytelling, Great visuals, Historical, Entertaining, Clever

See it if U R interested in the influence of a talented society photographer. 20th Century glamour photos highlight class distinctions and prejudices.

Don't see it if You are not interested in one person shows or Cecil Beaton. Read more

Entertaining, Great writing, Great acting, Clever, Absorbing

See it if you want to see a wonderfully clever portrayal of Cecil Beaton by a very talented actor Richard Stirling. He is both funny and witty.

Don't see it if you don't like one person shows or don't like your celebrities to be verbally skewered. Read more

Clever, Intelligent, Entertaining

See it if You like Cecil Beaton and like seeing/learning his work and fashion. Lovely history lesson and a peek into his diary

Don't see it if You don’t like small shows, one man shows, gossip

Delightful, Great acting, Fluffy, Entertaining

See it if You enjoy one man shows and you're interested in a famous photographer/designer from the golden age of Hollywood.

Don't see it if You prefer multi-character drama or comedy. Read more

Too short, Great photos, Funny, Great acting, Entertaining

See it if You are interested in old Hollywood, photography and fashion. Left wishng they had even more details of his s life.

Don't see it if You do not care for one man shows

Intelligent, Delightful, Entertaining

See it if You appreciate the contributions Cecil Beaton made to photography, art, costumes and the aesthetic of theatre and film in the 20th century.

Don't see it if You enjoy irreverent and unauthorized biographical tributes of important contributors to 20th century photography and costume designers. Read more

Absorbing, Great acting, Entertaining, Clever

See it if Great photos, about his life and how he starting all different type of photos.

Don't see it if One person show.

Quirky, Intelligent, Clever

See it if You are curious about Cecil Beaton and the people he interacted with during his career.

Don't see it if You don't like one man shows.

Critic Reviews (2)

“Stirling does a superlative job of milking Beaton's diaries for all of their venom, even if the man being portrayed is someone you might not wish to sit down with for a spot of tea without making sure nothing extra has been added to your cup.”
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"In his one man show 'Cecil Beaton’s Diaries,' Richard Stirling brings the complexity of Beaton’s persona to life. Drawing from the actual text of the diaries, Stirling has created a kind of narrative pastiche that opens a window on Beaton’s character."
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Trailer

Creative team

Richard Stirling

Writer / Performer