Dead Funny's Eleanor, past and present: Zoë pictured with Katherine Parkinson at the Vaudeville Theatre

27 November 2016 03:02

Earlier this week, Zoë was photographed backstage at London's Vaudeville Theatre with Katherine Parkinson, who's appearing there in Dead Funny. Parkinson portrays frustrated doctor's wife Eleanor, the same character Zoe played in the original production, in 1994.

The black comedy about relationships was staged at the Vaudeville back then too, having transferred from Hampstead Theatre. The director of both productions is also the play's writer, Terry Johnson.

Another cast member in the revival of Dead Funny is Steve Pemberton, who's clearly been an admirer of both Zoë (pictured above as Eleanor with David Haig as husband Richard) and the play for many years. Speaking to the Observer in 2011, he praised Zoë's performance in the lead role as the best he'd ever seen by an actor on stage. (Please note that the article includes a plot spoiler you might want to avoid reading if you're planning to watch the new show!)

'Eleanor is at the heart of the play,' Pemberton explained. He recalled being particularly impressed by Zoë's ability to combine humour with intense drama, remarking that 'Wanamaker could have you howling with laughter one minute and sobbing the next, because she has the kind of emotional insight that draws you in.'

The Dead Funny revival plays in the West End until 4 February. Like the original show, it's earned considerable praise from reviewers.

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