The Bespoke Overcoat

The Bespoke Overcoat is a 1953 play by English playwright Wolf Mankowitz (1924-1998)[1] .

The original text

The story is an adaptation of Gogol's short story The Overcoat with the action moved from Russia to the East End of London. In this version the protagonists are poor Jews working in the clothing trade. The play was performed at the Arts Theatre in London, directed by Alec Clunes.

Translations and adaptations

Produced as a 1956 British short film directed by Jack Clayton.

Performance history in South Africa

1956: Presented by the Dramatic Society of East London.

1959: The play was one of the opening productions of the Masque Theatre 10 January 1959 starring Alec Bell and Barney Sher, the other being Sorry, Wrong Number (Fletcher) with Lillian Jamieson.

Year unknown: Another Evening at the Lowenthal [Three plays]: Shelter by Alun Owen, 'The Bespoke Overcoat' by Wolf Mankowitz and 007 by Rodger Hulley. (NELM).

1963: Sorry, Wrong Number was produced by Adele Ossher for the Jansenville Dramavereniging. Starring Ice Lötter, Adele Ossher and Bertie de Beer.