An American in Luton
John Hegley


The tall and unannounced Maine man appears
in a seemingly ordinary 1960's English living room.
He is the high chaperone and bringer of a grandmother
who has not seen her stamp-collecting son for decades;
her grandchildren, never.
His reuniting job done, this curious visitor hands the children each a ten-dollar bill
says his goodbyes and is gone - off up the suburban street, into the evening
and perhaps a hotel in the town centre
on his horse.
(A hobby horse, in fact, given him by one of the children)

Festival and radio regular John Hegley returns with a story of family, fantasy, love, loss - and the long unseen son's stamp album. A Caravaggio and a wry dry stone-waller are also thrown into the mixture. The show contains a good deal of yet-to-be-published material alongside some back catalogue favourites.

Devised for adults but not unsuitable for the odd nine-year-old. Drawings will be provided. But not biscuits.


Just because he is one of the funniest men alive, do not underestimate his dedicated gentleness
— Adrian Mitchell, The New Statesman

Show credits

Writer & Performer: John Hegley
Producer: Tom MacAndrew

If you would like to book a performance, please get in touch.

2024 Tour Dates

  • Mon 17 June | COLCHESTER, Arts Centre

  • Thurs 4 July | SWINDON, Arts Centre

  • Weds 10 July | PRESTON, The Ferret

  • Sat 13 July | CORSHAM, The Pound

  • Thurs 26 Sept | LUTON, Hat Factory

  • Fri 4 Oct | BIRMINGHAM, Midlands Arts Centre

  • Fri 18 Oct | NOTTINGHAM, Playhouse

  • Fri 8 Nov | ISLE OF WIGHT, Quay Arts