The Truth About Harry Beck is a new play about the designer of the iconic version of the London Tube map.
Presented by the Natural Theatre Company and written and directed by Andy Burden, the play will open on September 18th, the fiftieth anniversary of Harry Beck’s death, at the London Transport Museum.
Inspired by the culture and creativity of the West End, the introduction of theatre is one example of how the museum is expanding its programming for new audiences. Music, performance and even more art and design will allow people to explore London’s rich transport history and the influential characters that have shaped London.
For many of us, the London Underground is purely functional. But to Harry Beck, this web of geography became an obsession – a fascination with the creation of the perfect Tube map.
How did Beck create the iconic diagrammatic map of today, and at what cost? To understand you need to meet Harry, and his wife Nora.
Take a glimpse inside a journey of passion, a wife’s dedication and the living breathing network of the tunnels and train tracks in our capital. Embrace your inner transport enthusiast through a mash up of real-life accounts, uncovered anecdotes and seemingly unconnected facts (…with a peppering of fictitious characters).
The Natural Theatre Company will take you on a whimsical whirlwind of fact through the worlds of design, transport, modern history…and an addiction to getting it right.
Elizabeth McKay, Director and CEO for London Transport Museum, said: “The opportunity to introduce this new play about the man behind the famous Tube map was a no-brainer for us. London Transport Museum is a cultural cornerstone in Covent Garden in the heart of theatreland and this play lets you experience one of London’s little-known stories in a brand-new live format. We are bringing the capital’s rich history and characters alive for you.”
Writer and director Andy Burden said, “About 16 years ago, I had the idea to put the story of the iconic Tube diagram on stage. I met with Ken Garland, a designer whose book “Mr Beck’s Underground Map” helped bring Harry Beck’s story to public attention. He lent me copies of Beck’s letters and gave me a small insight into the man. He was a man dedicated to finding the perfect schematic representation of the Underground network. And over a period of nearly 30 years, he worked tirelessly to improve the map, reflecting new stations, new lines and new suggestions from his bosses.
“Looking through Ken’s book, I got obsessed with the map and how he drew it, at one point being fixated on each minute change to its layout. Over 14 years I kept rewriting the play trying to make it work at its best – life it seems was imitating art!
“The first short run of the play appeared in September 2021 at the Theatre Royal Bath Ustinov Studio. Sadly, Ken Garland had passed away just months before, so never got to see the play.
“I am so pleased that my play about Harry Beck’s story is enhancing the experience at this fabulous Museum. It also keeps his name alive and connected to his wonderfully simple creation”.
The Cubic Theatre, London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB.
Dates: 14 September – 10 November. Times: Fridays (8pm), Saturdays (1.30pm, 5.30pm and 8pm) Sundays (1.30pm and 3.30pm)
Admission: £21.60 – £37.80.
Booking: https://cubictheatre.seetickets.com/
Age guidance 11+
