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Ten Men - The Lives of John Bindon

Ten Men is a gritty, funny and layered monologue based on the life story of the notorious British actor, gangster and ladies’ man, John ‘Biffo’ Bindon. 

 

“London’s nothing more than a million doors, the trick is to walk through the right one.” John Bindon, Ten Men

 

Ten Men - 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. Discovered by Ken Loach in a Chelsea pub. Bindon was a charismatic character and well-connected raconteur who transcended the swinging sixties and decadent 1970s. 

This evocative, beautifully crafted memory play by Franklyn McCabe takes the audience through key episodes of Bindon’s life. From his criminality and association with the Krays on the streets of 1960’s London, film career with big break in Ken Loach’s film debut, Poor Cow, circle of celebrity friends, to his alleged affair with Princess Margaret. McCabe manages to capture the tumultuous life and times of this intriguing and multi-facetted man in a way that is both poignant, engaging and laden with Bindon’s quick-witted one-liners.

The play includes references to his criminality and celebrity with his circle of famous friends drawn from the aristocracy, music and film circles. At the height of his fame, along with his criminal connections, Bindon mixed with the likes of Michael Caine, Jagger and Bowie.

 

CueLine is a creative theatre partnership between fellow part-time actors, producers, directors, and friends, Matthew Platt & Piers Newman. Based in southeast London, CueLine was founded in 2019, and through collaboration and over 30 years’ combined theatrical expertise, brings challenging, accessible, affordable theatre to local audiences. 

Matthew Platt (John Bindon) has been performing in an amateur and professional capacity for over 20 years, including at the Edinburgh Festival, Hever Castle Festival, The Brockley Jack, Bromley Little Theatre & South London Theatre. Specialising in complex multi-part and one man shows, Matt brings dramatic intensity and comedic timing to the role of Bindon.

 

This version of Ten Men made its debut at the Edinburgh Festival in 2022, to critical acclaim earning 5* review

 

 

 

 

 

Content warnings: Not advised for under 15s. Contains distressing themes (knife crime, terminal illness, prostitution) strong language/swearing. 

 

Fancy dinner and a show? Book at table at the Drayton Arms pub now and enjoy the pre-theatre menu before heading upstairs!

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