The cast perform up-close at customers' tables, one table a performance, breaking down the conventional barriers between artists and the audience.
The narrative, which condenses classic scenes and key lines inspired by The Godfather into a single scene, focuses on a highly charged meeting between Il Padrino himself (based on the Brando figure in the movie) and the head of a rival family who wishes to make the Godfather a business offer he can't refuse. The production also pays tribute to the new Sicilian inspired menu, weaving lemons and dough balls into the performance!
The inaugural performance took place on 24th May in London - and starred Tamer Hassan, famed for his pivotal role in The Business, Layer Cake and Football Factory. Tamer played the rival Godfather in Il Padrino Express.
Following the 'premiere' of Il Padrino Express, the cast embarked on a whistle stop tour of the country - taking in Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff, Bristol and Birmingham. The tour received rave reviews…
"Il Padrino Express last night at Braehead was superb we cannot believe how lucky we were to be part of such an inspiring performance. The actors, improvisation and restaurant staff could not be better. Well done PizzaExpress." Quote from customer David Child
If you didn’t make it to one of the tour dates, don’t worry as customers can still win the chance to reserve their very own tableside 15-minute performance until 30 June. To make a request for Il Padrino Express to visit your local PizzaExpress simply click here.
Costumes have been specially designed and created by international costume consultant Fabrizio Caracciolo. Fabrizio, who worked on the original Godfather film and Godfather 2 during a long career in film brings his unique insight and flair to the design of the outfits for Il Padrino Express.
Il Padrino Express is a natural extension in the arts for PizzaExpress, which has been using the restaurant space to showcase different art forms and talent since its beginnings in the 60's. The move into performance art shows PizzaExpress' continual commitment to bringing memorable dining experiences to its customers through art.
London
Tour Complete
Manchester
Tour Complete
Liverpool
Tour Complete
Bristol
Tour Complete
Birmingham
Tour Complete
Glasgow
Tour Complete
Edinburgh
Tour Complete
