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 Sonning Eye, Oxfordshire, England
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25 AUGUST - 9 OCTOBER 2010
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Rafe
Crompton rules his wife, Daisy, and their four children with
a rod of iron. But the tide is turning. Florence has found
love with a local sheet metalworker. Hilda wants to stay out
late like her friends – and drink port wine. Wilf and Harold
long for their own place away from this strict regime. It
is a small bit of defiance from Hilda that starts the rebellion.
She refuses to eat the herring put in front of her. Uproar.
And Dad in a fine old rage says Hilda will be given the same
piece of fish every day until she eats it. But like father,
like daughter. Hilda is as stubborn as her father. The whole
situation blows up into an uproarious family row. But does
Dad mellow? As the family looks to be coming apart at the
seams, the Cromptons learn that despite being from two generations,
nothing is more important than family love. Cast
in order of appearance: DIRECTED by SALLY HUGHES SET DESIGN by TONY EDEN COSTUME DESIGN by JANE KIDD LIGHTING DESIGN by MATTHEW BISS MUSICAL ASSISTANCE by JO STEWART The action takes place in the Crompton home in Bolton, Lancashire. Time 1963. ACT
I
Friday - early evening ACT II Scene 1 – Sunday tea time Scene 2 – Monday morning
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JEFFREY
HOLLAND (Rafe Crompton) Jeffrey is probably best known for
his portrayal of Spike in BBC TV’s HI-DE-HI!, also the stuffy
footman James Twelvetrees in the hugely successful YOU RANG M’LORD?
And more recently as Mr. Parkin the Stationmaster in OH, DR. BEECHING!
His theatre work is extensive and includes seasons at the Chichester
Festival and the Edinburgh Festival. He also appeared in the much
loved stage production of television’s DAD’S ARMY in which he
took over as the spiv, Private Walker. His many summer seasons
include the stage production of HI-DE-HI! which also enjoyed a
successful run at London’s Victoria Palace theatre in 1984. Other
West End work includes RUN FOR YOUR WIFE at the Criterion theatre
and TRAVELS WITH MY AUNT at the Whitehall. He was a regular member
of the cast of Radio Two’s RUSS ABBOT SHOW and recently had the
pleasure of re-creating the Peter Sellers characters in GOON AGAIN,
a 50th Anniversary tribute to THE GOON SHOW for the BBC. Last
year Jeff toured the UK in a 25th Anniversary Tour of ‘ALLO ALLO’
in which he played Rene alongside Vicki Michelle in her original
role of Yvette. Jeff especially enjoys the Christmas period as
he gets to don his frocks as one of Britain’s leading ‘Dames’.
His pantomime work includes over thirty seasons at most major
theatres all over the U.K. |
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| JUDY
BUXTON (Daisy Crompton) Judy trained at the Rose Bruford College
and started her acting career in repertory in Chesterfield. She
has since worked extensively in both theatre and television. Her
West End stage credits include BAGGAGE and A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED
both at the Vaudeville Theatre. She also played in THE GHOST TRAIN
at the Old Vic, SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL playing Lady Teazle opposite
Sir Donald Sinden at the Haymarket, LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS
at the Strand and Mary Smith in RUN FOR YOUR WIFE at the Whitehall.
She made her debut with the Royal Shakespeare Company as Iphigenia
in John Barton’s acclaimed production of THE GREEKS at the Aldwych
and then went on to play Juliet in ROMEO AND JULIET at Stratford-upon-Avon.
Whilst there she also played Jessica in THE MERCHANT OF VENICE,
the Sweet Girl in LA RONDE and principal boy in the RSC’s pantomime
THE SWANSDOWN GLOVES. She has worked at the Vienna English Theatre
in Harold Pinter’s THE LOVER which transferred to the Young Vic.
She also toured the Far and Middle East in several different plays
for Derek Nimmo’s Dinner Theatre. Her many televisions include
BY THE SWORD DIVIDED, LOVEJOY, BERGERAC, BLAKE’S SEVEN, DIARY
OF A NOBODY, RISING DAMP, NEXT OF KIN and three series as Dennis
Waterman’s wife Ruth in ON THE UP. Films include THE BIG SLEEP,
THE LIKELY LADS, ACES HIGH and GET REAL. Last year Judy completed
a National Tour of ‘ALLO ‘ALLO playing Michelle of the Resistance
for Calibre Productions and she has just finished a National Tour
of IT’S NEVER TOO LATE by Ron Aldridge. At Christmas time Judy
can be found casting her magic spells across the UK in such pantomimes
as PETER PAN, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK , CINDERELLA, and DICK WHITTINGTON. |
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ANITA
GRAHAM (Betsy Jane) West End credits include NO NO NANETTE
at Drury Lane, RUN FOR YOUR WIFE at the Criterion, Mitzi in LOOK
NO HANS with David Jason at the Strand, FUNNY MONEY at the Playhouse,
CASH ON DELIVERY at the Whitehall and ONCE IN A LIFETIME and PIAF
at the Piccadilly with the RSC. Television series include Tina
Pillbeam in TERRY AND JUNE, Zelda Lee in MOON AND SON, Wilma in
KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY and Lesley Langton in EASTENDERS. Other
light entertainment shows include BENNY HILL, DICK EMERY and MORECOMBE
AND WISE shows and she played Loda Bollott in DOCTOR WHO. A favourite
part was Mrs Tebbett in MR THOMAS with Ray Winstone, written and
directed by Kathy Burke for Channel Four, a role she originated
at The Old Red Lion. Recently, again for Kathy Burke, Anita appeared
in THE HORNE AND CORDEN Sketch Show for BBC3. Anita played the
title role in SHIRLEY VALENTINE, Marie Louise in JUST DESERTS,
Ruth in the NORMAN CONQUESTS. In Hampstead she was Nurse Guinness
in HEARTBREAK HOUSE and the General's Wife in WALTZ OF THE TOREADORS
in Hampstead. Other plays at Sonning have been BESIDE THE SEA,
THERE GOES THE BRIDE, WIFE BEGINS AT 40, DON'T ROCK THE BOAT,
TIME TO KILL and OUTSIDE EDGE. She is delighted to be back. |
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| NEIL
ANDREW (Harold Crompton) Neil is happy to be returning to
The Mill having played Dean in IF I WERE YOU earlier in the summer.
His Theatre credits include THE MOUSETRAP (West End), NEVER EVER
AFTER (The Theatre Royal Margate and Tour); BEAUTY & THE BEAST
(Wilde Theatre Bracknell); DEATH AND THE MAIDEN (MAC and Tour);
SECRET WEAPONS (Jersey Art Centre, European Tour); FAMILY SNAPS
(Wimbledon Studio Theatre); and MACBETH (National Schools Tour).
On television Neil has appeared in THE BILL (ITV), KNIFE EDGE
(Sky One) as well as various commercials. In addition to this,
Neil has appeared in over 20 short films most of which have been
shown at different film festivals around the globe. Two of these
short films – A PICTURE OF ME (187 Productions) and ALL THE GOOD
MEN FALL (Window Seat Films) – have picked up Best Short Film
prizes at several of these festivals. Neil trained at the Drama
Centre London, graduating in 2003. |
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HELEN
ARMES (Hilda Crompton) Helen graduated from Guildford School
of Acting last summer where she played roles including Anita and
Roxanne in LOVEPLAY, Adelaide in NAPOLI MILIONARIA, Paulina in
THE WINTER’S TALE and a member of The Company in the tour of THE
SHAKESPEARE REVUE. In theatre she has recently finished working
in Venice where she played Elena and Isabella in the show VENEZIA,
THE STORY OF VENICE. Earlier in the year she toured THE LADY VANISHES,
a play based on the Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name, with
Triode Productions. Television includes Wendy in THE INBETWEENERS
(E4), Clare in YO!DIARY (BBC), and Jordanne in STACEY STONE (BBC). |
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| ANDY
DANIEL (Wilfred Crompton) Andy graduated from The Bristol
Old Vic Theatre School in July 2009. In his time at the Theatre
School he played Romeo in ROMEO AND JULIET and Melchior in ON
THE RAZZLE both on The Bristol Old Vic Theatre Main Stage. Professional
Theatre Credits: Joe in FERMENTATION (Bristol Old Vic Theatre
Studio), Lucifer/Horse Courser in DOCTOR FAUSTUS (Present Moment
Theatre Company, Stratford Circus), and Jamie in the UK Tour of
BEAUTIFUL THING (Giddy Ox Theatre Company). Professional Film
Credits: Paul in DUSTERS by Chris Baines. |
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KATE
MIDDLETON (Florence Crompton) Kate trained at Webber Douglas
and, prior to that, with The National Youth Theatre. Theatre credits
include: SEE HOW THEY RUN, SALAD DAYS, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, ONE
FOR THE POT, COWARDY CUSTARD and BEDROOM FARCE (all for Jill Freud
& Co at Southwold and Aldeburgh Theatre), Lydia Bennet in a National
open-air tour of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Illyria Theatre Company),
NO OFFENCE (Theatre 503), POP POP (Southwark Union), THE TWO GENTLEMEN
OF VERONA (Kensington Gardens), THE WILL (Soho Theatre Studio),
SLEEPING BEAUTY (The Roses Theatre) and various plays on the Orient
Express. Screen work includes: THE GREAT SAN FRANCISCO EARTHQUAKE
(Channel 4) and the short TAKE TIME TO APPRECIATE THE NOW. Kate
also works as a director for the National Shakespeare Schools
Festival and is a keen fencer. She is delighted to be making her
debut at The Mill. |
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JONATHAN
NITON (Arthur) Jonathan was one of the final year to be
trained as an actor at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic
Art, subsequently graduating from the Central School of Speech
and Drama. Theatre credits include Sgt Troy FAR FROM THE MADDING
CROWD (Dorset Corset Theatre Company Tour), Anthony Valentine’s
production of THE HEIRESS, the world premiere of THAT’S LOVE
creating the role of Young Tony, PLAZA SUITE and THAT OLD FEELING,
all for The Mill at Sonning. Rev Henry Tilney NORTHANGER ABBEY
(DCTC Tour). Rehearsed readings of PRESENTATIONAL DIFFICULTIES
(Battersea Arts Centre, Southwark Playhouse). He appeared in
the music video for BROWN TROUT BLUES (Mercury Records) for
Johnny Flynn’s album A LARUM. Film: The £45 Zombie feature COLIN
directed by Marc Price (nowherefastproductions). |
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| SALLY
HUGHES (Director & Artistic Director) Sally spent her early
years in Venezuela and Argentina and, after finishing her education
in England, she then trained 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). Most recent appearances
include A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY – THE STORY OF DORIS DAY (The Mill
at Sonning and Wiltons Music Hall), TOO MARVELOUS FOR WORDS, both
directed by Alvin Rakoff, ALPHABETICAL ORDER and THE HEIRESS both
directed by Anthony Valentine. A few of the plays Sally has directed
at The Mill are A FOOT IN THE DOOR, STEPPING OUT, A TOUCH OF SPRING,
FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS and more recently the world premiere of MURDER
HUNT by Brian Clemens. 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 and KIDNAPPED ABROAD. 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. |
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| TONY
EDEN (Set Designer) Tony is the Mill’s Resident Scenic Artist
and has also designed numerous sets for The Mill including THAT’S
LOVE, HOLIDAY SNAP and BAREFOOT IN THE PARK. Tony graduated from
the Central School of Speech and Drama in 2004. His freelance
work has included Riverside Studios, Capital Scenery and Coombe
Opera. |
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| 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 making a variety
of both period and modern costumes of which she has made many
whilst at the Mill. |
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| MATTHEW
BISS (Lighting Designer) Matthew is currently working as Technical
Manager at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead and is
delighted to be invited back to The Mill to light SPRING AND PORT
WINE. A few of his numerous previous designs at The Mill, include
SEPARATE TABLES, A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY, DEADLY MURDER, THE ODD
COUPLE, HOLIDAY SNAP, THAT OLD FEELING, WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS,
LOVE FROM A STRANGER, IF I WERE YOU and I OUGHT TO BE IN PICTURES. |
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| BILL NAUGHTON (Playwright) Although originally born in Ireland, Bill Naughton was one of Bolton’s best loved playwrights. SPRING AND PORT WINE was a 1967 stage play and was made into a film in 1970, starring James Mason. He wrote many, many other plays including ALFIE, which also became a film starring Michael Caine. | ||||||||
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| Production: | |
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Production Manager -
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Joan Farnese |
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Stage
Manager -
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James Neal |
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Chief
Electrician -
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Nathan Caples |
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Wardrobe
Mistress -
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Jane Kidd |
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Deputy
Stage Managers -
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Karen Brown & Lottie Cousins |
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Assistant
Stage Manager -
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Samantha Kearley |
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Technician
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Christopher McMillan |
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Scenic
Artist -
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Tony Eden |
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Technical
Assistant -
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Simon Graves |
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Wardrobe
Assistant -
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Evelyn Fidler |
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Dressers
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Ann
Baker, Lynn Hinton, Catherine Bristow, Terry Bartholomew, Karen Vass & Sarah Reynolds |
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Theatre
Production Photography -
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Norman Weston |