current prOduction
TEN MEN The Lives of John Bindon
by Franklyn McCabe
”An energetic one-hander, Platt doesn’t miss a beat summoning the language, patter and attitudes of 1960s and ‘70’s London. A triumph from start to finish.”
*****
The Edinburgh Reporter
Read Full Review
Ten Men is a gritty, funny and moving monologue based on the life story of the notorious 1960’s British actor, gangster and lothario, John ‘Biffo’ Bindon.
“Charismatic and clever,
John Bindon lived the lives
of Ten Men.”
“John Bindon is one of those characters that appears as a Zelig like figure in various biographies through his acting and gangsterism. His involvement with a range of prominent figures from Princess Margaret to Mick Jagger makes for a fascinating story. Matthew Platt as John Bindon brings this mythological character back to life in all his gritty glory and he doesn’t hold back. A triumph from start to finish.”
*****
The Edinburgh Reporter
About the play
tEN men
the lives of john bindon
A one-man play about the infamous life of the actor, criminal, alleged lover of Princess Margaret and possessor of a 12-inch appendage, John Bindon. Given his first big break by director Ken Loach after a meeting in a Chelsea pub in 1966, Bindon was a charismatic character and well-connected raconteur who transcended the swinging sixties and decadent ‘70s.
“London’s nothing more than a million doors, the trick is to walk through the right one.”
The play includes references to Bindon’s criminality and celebrity with his circle of famous friends drawn from the aristocracy, music and film worlds. At the height of his fame, Bindon mixed with the likes of the Krays, Michael Caine, Jagger and Bowie.
John Bindon - Mathew Platt
Produced & Directed by Piers Newman
By Franklyn McCabe
Poster by Ral Design
This production of Ten Men was originally staged at South London Theatre in spring 2019, directed by Elaine Heath.
Photography by Phil Gammon.
Warnings and additional info:
Not advised for under 15s. Contains distressing themes, strong language/swearing
