Barefoot In The Park

Sonning Eye, Oxfordshire, England

Dinner

Jazz

A comedy by NEIL SIMON
Directed by SALLY HUGHES

BAREFOOT IN THE PARK is probably one of Neil Simon's best known and best loved plays. A delicious comedy about the teething troubles of a newly married couple, Paul and Corrie Bratter. After an ecstatic honeymoon these young love-birds are brought down to earth with a thump as they learn the complicated art of living together. Over the moon with happiness, starry-eyed Corrie views their new apartment as heaven - despite it being ice-cold, with a leaking roof, up five flights of stairs, and having a roguish Hungarian neighbour, Victor Velasco. On the other hand, sensible husband and young lawyer Paul, sees the new home for what it is - impractical and uncomfortable - he just wants a good night's sleep. What a stuffed shirt! Throw in a few more ingredients - an uptight widowed mother and Corrie's ill-advised attempt to pair her off with the romantic but outlandish Victor - and you have a formula that will pry any twosome into a lonesome onesome. Can Corrie and Paul's love survive? Add Neil Simon's wonderfully witty dialogue and you are guaranteed a sparkling evening of fun and laughter.

By arrangement with Samuel French Limited

The action of the play passes in the Bratters’ apartment
on East 48th Street, New York. Time – 1965

ACT I
Scene 1 - A late afternoon in February
Scene 1 - About 7pm, four days later

ACT II
Scene 1 - About 2am, the same night
Scene 2 - The following afternoon

CHARLES DAVIES (Paul Bratter) Charles trained at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art and grew up locally. He’s over-the-moon to now be performing here at The Mill in Sonning. Theatre roles include: Greg Poynter in RELATIVELY SPEAKING, Roger Dervish in OUTSIDE EDGE, Charley Wykeham in CHARLEY’S AUNT and John Danby in DRY ROT (all at the Southwold Summer Theatre); Fred / Fezziwig in A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Creation Theatre, Oxford), Oliver in AS YOU LIKE IT (Arundel Open Air Festival), Christopher Isherwood in I AM A CAMERA (English Theatre of Hamburg), Tybalt in ROMEO AND JULIET (Cliveden Open Air Theatre), Captain Absolute in THE RIVALS (Wimbledon Studio Theatre), Richard Fricke in the UK premiere of A PROCESSION OF SHADES and Harry in the musical COMPANY (both at the Chanticleer Theatre, Kensington); Emperor / Genie in ALADDIN (Musselburgh Theatre, Edinburgh), Hiram B. Otis in a musical adaptation of THE CANTERVILLE GHOST (Southern Italy Tour), Richard Markway in HOW TO TEACH AN EGG TO DANCE (Historic Houses Tour), General Gordon in EMINENT VICTORIANS and Harry Woodrowe in TWO HAPPY (The Battersea Barge). TV and Film credits include: EASTENDERS (BBC), HEROES AND VILLAINS (One Vision Films), EXHIBIT A (Bent Films), TINCTURE OF VERVAIN (Pathétique Films), BADINAGE (OH Films), THE ULTIMATE TRUTH (WYSIWYG Films), BAD TO THE BONE (Livingstone Pictures), SOMEWHAT HAUNTED (Creative Potatoes) and various small roles for the former Northern School of Film and Television (Yorkshire, England). Other roles whilst training include: AN IDEAL HUSBAND (Sir Robert Chiltern), FATHERS AND SONS (Nikolai Petrovich Kirsanov), SISTERLY FEELINGS (Dr. Ralph Matthews) and DEALER’S CHOICE (Stephen). Charles lives with his wife and two fish in South West London.

ANTHONY FARNESE (The Delivery Man) Anthony is delighted to be returning to The Mill to reprise his role as The Delivery Man under the direction, this time, of Mr Ron Aldridge. Previous experience has included roles in GRUMPY OLD MEN, THE BATTERED HUSBAND, MY HOUSE THE MENAGERIE, BAKERS DOZEN and DOLLY DRAKES PROGRESS. His favourite part to date was playing the lead in THE MAINTENANCE MAN. Anthony lives locally with his Production Managing Wife, dog, threelegged cat and 4 goldfish.

MAXINE GREGORY (Corrie Bratter) Maxine Gregory studied Ancient History at Swansea University and took the post-graduate acting course at LAMDA. Maxine is delighted to be returning to Sonning where she has appeared previously in STRICTLY MURDER, FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS and TIME TO KILL. At Chichester Festival Theatre she played The Poacher’s Wife in THE RECRUITING OFFICER and at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester, she played Davis in THE SEA, Helen in HELEN OF TROY, Mlle Y in STRETCHING STRINDBERG, Nadia in UNMAN, WITTERING AND ZIGO, Neaera in THE DARK TOWER and Eileen in A NIGHT OUT. Maxine has also appeared in several pantos. At Oxford Playhouse she played Jill in JACK AND THE BEANSTALK and at Cambridge she has been the Princess in JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, the Fairy Godmother in DICK WHITTINGON and recently the Princess in ALADDIN In London Maxine played Dora in DAISY PULLS IT OFF (West End), Ellen in YOU’RE GONNA LOVE TOMORROW (Greenwich Playhouse), Sally in EVERYTHING’S GREAT (Wimbledon Studio) and Judith in THE DISPUTATION (New End Theatre, Hampstead). Maxine was in HOLBY CITY (BBC) as Sophie Baker and she has done extensive radio and conference work. When time permits she plays cello and piano.

DARREN MACHIN (The Telephone Man) Darren trained at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. He returns to Sonning having recently played the Police Sergeant in IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY. Previous visits to The Mill include productions of YOU’RE ONLY YOUNG TWICE, WORM’S EYE VIEW and OUT OF ORDER. He was directed by Ray Cooney in the West End production of RUN FOR YOUR WIFE and then toured it to the Far East for Derek Nimmo. He has enjoyed seasons at Pitlochry, Keswick, Westcliff, Basingstoke and Ipswich. Plays include WHILE THE SUN SHINES, WAIT UNTIL DARK, STRAIGHT AND NARROW, PRIVATES ON PARADE, WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION, GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT, SLY FOX, LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN and A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL. He appeared in KNOCK DOWN GINGER at the Croydon Warehouse and he played Burt Reynolds in the No 1 tour of STAND BY YOUR MAN. Film credits include LOVE ME DO and ACCIDENT for Breakthru’ Films. Television credits include episodes of THE BILL, EMMERDALE, FAMILY AFFAIRS, FAITH, HERALD OF FREE ENTERPRISE, CRIMEWATCH UK, HALE & PACE and HOLLYOAKS.

JAN WATERS (Mrs Banks) Jan was last at The Mill in STARRY STARRY NIGHT and MAKE ME A MATCH. She trained as a classical singer before combining both straight and musical theatre. Her work in London's West End includes DO RE MI (Prince of Wales Theatre), HIGH SPIRITS (Savoy) and the BEGGAR'S OPERA (Apollo). Then came DON'T START WITHOUT ME (Garrick), THE YOUNG VISITORS (Piccadilly), SHOWBOAT (Adelphi), KENNEDY'S CHILDREN (Kings Head, Islington) and Peter Nicol's BORN IN THE GARDENS (Globe). She appeared in the original cast of the awardwinning success NOISES OFF at the Savoy, SPECIAL OCCASIONS, a two-handed play with John Alderton (Ambassador's Theatre), and in Michael Frayn's other award-winning play BENEFACTORS (Vaudeville Theatre). She has also played COLOMBE at Salisbury, Lettice in LETTICE AND LOVAGE (Haymarket) and Lady Bracknell in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST. Jan toured extensively with Prospect Productions both here and abroad, and for the British Council in the Far East as Eliza Doolittle in PYGMALION, Portia in THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. Most recently Jan has appeared in the television series DOCTORS and has played Beatrix George in LIFE AFTER GEORGE for Vienna’s English Theatre. She has also played Elsa in the national tour of THE SOUND OF MUSIC and was at the Almeida Theatre in Arthur Miller’s new play MR PETER’S CONNECTIONS and then on the QE2 in 20th CENTURY BLUES for the English Chamber Theatre. Her television credits include PARADISE POSTPONED, A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE, Lady Margaret in TAKE THE HIGH ROAD and SEPTEMBER SONG and appeared in MR RIGHT a film for Mugshot Productions.

PHILIP YORK (Victor Valasco) Philip York trained at Central School and work in various repertory theatres includes NICHOLAS NICKLEBY, JANE EYRE, THE BEGGARS OPERA, THE WINTER'S TALE, TWELFTH NIGHT, ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD, AN EMPTY DESK (Royal Court), MACBETH (RSC, Stratford & Aldwych) TWELFTH NIGHT, AFORE NIGHT COME (RSC, The Other Place). Numerous plays at the Orange Tree Theatre - NO BIG DEAL, FAMILY CIRCLES, THE CASE OF REBELLIOUS SUSAN and ARMS AND THE MAN. International and UK tours for Prospect Theatre Company (Old Vic) and the London Shakespeare Group, and The British Council, including HAMLET, ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, WAR MUSIC, MACBETH, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, PYGMALION, KING LEAR, JULIUS CAESAR. BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT (Queens Theatre, West End,) DANTON'S DEATH, LORENZACCIO, THE PRINCE OF HOMBURG (Royal National Theatre). Regents Park Theatre - MIDSUMMER'S NIGHT DREAM, LOVES LABOURS LOST, WHERE'S CHARLIE. Stephen Joseph Theatre for Alan Ayckbourn A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL and MISS YESTERDAY. TELSTAR (UK tour and West End, New Ambassadors Theatre) THE BIRTHDAY PARTY (THEATR CLWYD) In the last 3 years Philip has been playing his one-man show about Robert Maxwell LIES HAVE BEEN TOLD which began at The Edinburgh Festival and played twice last year in The West End at TRAFALGAR STUDIOS. TV and films include LILLIE, THE PROFESSIONALS, PARADISE POSTPONED, FRESH FIELDS, THE BILL, EXECUTIVE STRESS, TOUCH OF FROST, BECK, EASTENDERS and most recently ROSEMARY AND THYME and HEARTBEAT. Films: MERCHANT OF VENICE, HENESSY, RICHARD'S THINGS, SHOOTING FISH and CETVERORED. This will be Philip’s third show at Sonning after MAKE ME A MATCH and INSIDE JOB. He is delighted to be back here with Jan his partner.

RON ALDRIDGE ( Director) His career as director/writer/actor has spanned over 28 years. He has directed in repertory, at the Edinburgh Festival, on numerous touring productions, and extensively on the London Fringe. He was assistant director to Ray Cooney on the West End production of FUNNY MONEY at the Playhouse Theatre and also directed the play in Israel,…… in Hebrew. He also directed the UK national tour and most recently the summer season at Eastbourne. His play HOVERING was nominated for an award at the '94 Edinburgh Festival, and he has had numerous plays produced in repertory and on the London Fringe. His comedy YOU'RE ONLY YOUNG TWICE was recently published by Josef Weinberger Limited. As an actor he has worked in repertory, on numerous touring productions and in the West End. He starred in the lead role of James Leeds in the award-winning CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD at the Albery Theatre followed by a long and successful national tour. Other West End appearances include: THE VOLUNTEER at the Riverside, RUN FOR YOUR WIFE at the Criterion, FUNNY MONEY at the Playhouse, and THE ODD COUPLE at the Haymarket. TV appearances include: LONDON'S BURNING, FOOL'S GOLD, THE KNOCK, 2.4 CHILDREN, THE BILL, NELSON'S COLUMN, EASTENDERS, and Bronco in ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES. Ron very recently directed IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY, PERFECT WEDDING, NOT NOW DARLING, TWO AND TWO MAKE SEX, OUT OF ORDER, FUNNY MONEY, THERE GOES THE BRIDE directed and acted in YOU'RE ONLY YOUNG TWICE and IT’S NEVER TOO LATE at The Mill and is delighted to be invited back. Ron recently directed two plays for the English Speaking Theatre in Vienna –LOVE’S A LUXURY and Noel Coward’s FALLEN ANGELS

TONY EDEN (Set designer) Tony is the resident scenic artist at The Mill where recent shows have included INTIMATE EXCHANGES, SEPARATE TABLES, TWO AND TWO MAKE SEX, and more. He graduated from Central School of Speech and Drama in 2004 having worked on over 12 shows in the College Studio space and main theatre. Other work has been at the Battersea Arts Centre, Riverside Studios and Polka Theatre. Tony’s previous designs for the Mill include IT’S NEVER TOO LATE and NOT NOW DARLING, ALONE TOGETHER AGAIN, PERFECT WEDDING and is delighted to be invited back to design the set for BAREFOOT IN THE PARK

JANE KIDD (Costume Designer) Jane who is our Resident Costume Designer, trained in Fashion Design at Berkshire College of Art. She freelanced in knitwear and dress design for five years before joining The Mill as Wardrobe Mistress, and enjoys a variety of making both period and modern costumes of which she has made many whilst at The Mill. Some of Jane’s recent costume designs include, STEPPING OUT, THERE GOES THE BRIDE, I REMEMBER YOU, MURDER BY MISADVENTURE, OUT OF ORDER, ABSENT FRIENDS, IT’S NEVER TOO LATE, A TOUCH OF SPRING, SHADY BUSINESS, CAUGHT IN THE NET, TWO AND TWO MAKE SEX, SEPARATE TABLES, INTIMATE EXCHANGES, NOT NOW DARLING, THE MAINTENANCE MAN, STRICTLY MURDER, ALONE TOGETHER AGAIN, STARRY, STARRY NIGHT, TIME OF MY LIFE, PERFECT WEDDING, FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS, TIME TO KILL, IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY, SAME TIME NEXT YEAR and DOUBLE DEATH.

JANET A CANTRILL (Lighting Designer) Since graduating from Rose Bruford, Janet has worked with a variety of touring companies, such as Shared Experience, Monstrous Regiment and Gay Sweatshop as Stage Manager. She has worked most recently at East 15 Acting School as Lighting Technician/Tutor and at Webber Douglas Academy as Production Manager. As a technician Janet worked at the Bloomsbury Theatre and the Tom Allen Centre, Stratford and The Drill Hall where she was Sound Engineer on the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain Concert Season. As a Lighting Designer Janet has lit shows for Webber Douglas, East 15, Bedfordshire Youth Opera and South West Youth Theatre and has also worked rigging Christmas decorations for James Glancy Design.

SALLY HUGHES (Artistic Director) Sally spent her early years in Venezuela and Argentina and after finishing her education in England, she then trained for the stage as an actress at The Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art. On graduating she was given her first engagement by John Fernald who directed her in COMING OF AGE. Then followed ARE YOU NOW OR HAVE YOU EVER BEEN at The Bush and CATCHPENNY TWIST at The King’s Head Theatre. In 1984 Sally took over the post of Artistic Director of The Mill At Sonning from Peter Egan and has directed and appeared in many of its productions, including DAMES AT SEA (an excerpt of which was included in The Royal Gala Performance in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales), and most recently she appeared as Barbara Smith in CAUGHT IN THE NET and Ginger Mercer in the musical TOO MARVELOUS FOR WORDS. The most recent plays Sally has directed at The Mill are A FOOT IN THE DOOR, POOLS PARADISE, THE FACE OF FEAR, STEPPING OUT, A TOUCH OF SPRING, STRICTLY MURDER, ALONE TOGETHER AGAIN and most recently FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS and TIME TO KILL. Sally enjoys a career outside of The Mill and has played leading parts in the BBC series LATE EXPECTATIONS and LAURA AND DISORDER in which she played Wendy Craig’s daughter-in-law. Other TV appearances include: DON’T WAIT UP, KEEPING UP APPEARANCES, BRUSHSTROKES & MULBERRY. Sally directed the National Tour of PASTIMES, starring Rosemary Leach and William Gaunt and also directed BAREFOOT IN THE PARK by Neil Simon at the Jermyn Street Theatre in the West End. Sally also appeared in TOO MARVELOUS FOR WORDS, at the King's Head, London.

NEIL SIMON (Playwright) Neil Simon’s BAREFOOT IN THE PARK is a very popular play and film. During the course of his career, he has won three Tony Awards for Best Play (THE ODD COUPLE, BILOXI BLUES and LOST IN YONKERS.) He has had more plays adapted to film than any other American playwright, in addition, has written a dozen original screenplays himself. He received Academy Award nominations for his screenplays THE ODD COUPLE (1968), THE SUNSHINE BOYS (1975) and CALIFORNIA SUITE (1978). He has also been the recipient of the Antoinette Perry Award, the Writers Guild Critics Award, the Shubert Award, the Outer Circle Award, and a 1978 Golden Award for his screenplay, THE GOODBYE GIRL.

Production:
Production Manager	Joan Farnese
Stage Manager	James Neal
Chief Electrician	Janet A Cantrill
Master Carpenter	Ian Stroud
Wardrobe Mistress	Jane Kidd
Deputy Stage Managers	Jo Vimpany, Neil Webb
Assistant Stage Manager	Karen Brown
Technician	Ed Marshall
Scenic Artist	Tony Eden
Assistant Carpenter	Simon Graves
Wardrobe Assistant	Evelyn Fidler
Dressers	Ann Baker, Lynn Hinton, Catherine Bristow, Terry Bartholomew, Xye Appleton
Theatre Production Photography	Norman Weston
Website Production	Chris Berry