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 Sonning Eye, Oxfordshire, England
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4 JUNE
– 11 JULY 2009
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Ben Travers was the master of the Aldwych Farces. Author
of such classics as ROOKERY NOOK , THARK, PLUNDER, but the
hilarious THE BED BEFORE YESTERDAY was always considered to
be one of his funniest plays. Formidable, wealthy, but twice-widowed
Alma invites shy and impoverished Victor for tea. It soon
becomes clear that Alma wants to give him more than just a
cup of tea. Or even a crumpet! She proposes marriage to Victor
– but with one proviso – she is only interested in companionship.
Nothing more. No hanky-panky. It is strictly separate bedrooms.
Victor is perfectly happy with this arrangement. But then
– surprise, surprise - Alma discovers that sex can be pleasurable.
Realising what she has been missing all these years, she seduces
the mild-mannered Victor. And now he is in a quandary. How
is he going to keep up with Alma’s new found passion? But
resourceful Victor, who loves Alma, is determined to solve
the problem. Which he does with laughter-packed, unforeseen
and riotous results Come and be thoroughly entertained as
the cast romp their way through this delicious and sparkling
comedy! Cast in order of appearance: Alma
- SUSAN PENHALIGON
Directed by JULIAN WOOLFORD
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SUSAN
PENHALIGON (Alma) Susan Penhaligon was brought up in Cornwall
and trained at the Webber Douglas Academy in London. Her first
appearance in the theatre was playing Juliet in ROMEO AND JULIET
at the Connaught theatre, Worthing and since then she has worked
extensively in theatre, film and television. Her early TV credits
include UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS, TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED, BERGERAC,
REMINGTON STEELE, CASUALTY, INSPECTOR WYCLIFFE and DOCTOR WHO.
She played Bianca in the TAMING OF THE SHREW for the BBC’s Shakespeare
season and Frank Finlay’s spoilt daughter Prue, in the hugely
successful A BOUQUET OF BARBED WIRE. Other leading parts were
in Fay Weldon’s HEART OF THE COUNTRY and in Stan Barstow’s A KIND
OF LOVING. She played Lucy in DRACULA for the BBC and Judi Dench’s
sister Helen in four series of the award winning sitcom, A FINE
ROMANCE. Most recently she has appeared in DOCTORS and played
the regular role of Jean Hope in EMMERDALE. Her West End credits
include, THREE SISTERS, (Albery Theatre), THE REAL THING (The
Strand Theatre) THE MYSTERIOUS MR LOVE and THE MAINTENANCE MAN
both at the Comedy Theatre, Dangerous Corner (The Whitehall Theatre)
and OF MICE AND MEN (The Mermaid Theatre). Among her many touring
appearances are HAVING A BALL, DANGEROUS OBSESSION, BEDROOM FARCE,
MINDGAME, THE CONSTANT WIFE, MRS WARREN’S PROFESSION, DEATH TRAP
and LORD ARTHUR SAVILLE’S CRIME. She appeared three times at the
Palace Theatre Watford in THE COMPLACENT LOVER, The Girl in MELANIE
KLEIN and as Nora in A DOLL’S HOUSE. She was in two seasons at
The Royal Exchange Manchester appearing in TIME AND THE CONWAYS,
LOWER DEPTHS and THE CHERRY ORCHARD. At the Birmingham Rep she
was in David Lodge’s THE WRITING GAME and at the West Yorkshire
Playhouse, Arthur Miller’s BROKEN GLASS. In the fringe she appeared
in ABDUCTING DIANA (Edinburgh Festival), Annie Wilkes in MISERY
(King’s Head Theatre), the Nurse in ROMEO AND JULIET (Jermyn Street
Theatre) and as Sarah Golden in PROPHECY (The New End Theatre).
Her films include leading roles in, THE UNCANNY, THE LAND THAT
TIME FORGOT, NO SEX PLEASE WE’RE BRITISH, LEOPARD IN THE SNOW,
NASTY HABITS, PATRICK, SOLDIER OF THE QUEEN and PRIVATE ROAD.
And most recently two short films, CITIZEN VERSUS KANE and SAY
YOU LOVE ME. She has played the Good Fairy twice, in CINDERELLA
at the Camberley Theatre and in JACK AND THE BEANSTALK at the
Theatre Royal Bath. Susan has published her first novel, FOR THE
LOVE OF ANGEL (Truran Books) a story set down in Cornwall in the
1880’s. |
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BRIAN
DEACON (Victor Keene) Brian’s film career began when he played
Gunner Barton, opposite Glenda Jackson and Oliver Reed in THE
TRIPLE ECHO. He then made II BACIO DA UNA MORTA in Italy and took
the role of Jesus in the Warner Brothers film JESUS, HIS LIFE
AND TIMES, shot entirely on location in Israel. More recently,
he has played Oswald in Peter Greenaway’s A ZED AND TWO NAUGHTS,
co-starring with his brother Eric, and has also taken part in
a short film ORLA’S SONG. Television credits include: Mr Lewisham
in LOVE AND MR LEWISHAM (BBC), Oswald in Ibsen’s GHOSTS (YTV),
THE EMIGRANTS (BBC), Frank Miles in LILLIE (LWT), Richmond in
RICHARD III (BBC), Charles in SEPARATE TABLES (Cable Films) and
Alan Woodcourt in BLEAK HOUSE (BBC). He appeared in Andrew Davies’
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR (BBC Screen Two), ME AND MY GIRL (LWT),
BUGS (ITV), FAMILY AFFAIRS (Channel 5) and most recently as Bill
in DOCTORS (BBC). Brian also played the regular character, Neil
Kincaid in EMMERDALE (YTV). Brian has worked extensively in the
theatre. In London, his stage appearances include Benedict in
NO MORE AROVING (Orange Tree, Richmond); Captain Bluntschli in
Shaw’s ARMS AND THE MAN and Jerry in Edward Albee’s ZOO STORY
(Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park), for whom he also undertook
a tour of India as Guildenstern in ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN
ARE DEAD. He played The Son in Sam Shepherd’s CURSE OF THE STARVING
CLASS (Royal Court) and Octavius Caesar in ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA
(Young Vic). Most recent performances have been Stephen in DEALERS
CHOICE and the arch villain IAGO. |
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ROSEMARY
ASHE (Lolly Tucker) Rosemary Ashe was nominated for a Laurence
Olivier Award as Felicia Gabriel in Cameron Mackintosh’s production
of THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, a
role she also reprised in the Australian premiére production.
Rosie also created the roles of Carlotta in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at her Majesty’s Theatre and Miss Andrew,
the nasty nanny in Disney’s MARY POPPINS at the Prince Edward
Theatre. She has also appeared with English National Opera, Opera
North, Scottish Opera, Sadlers Wells Opera, Opera Northern Ireland
& Carl Rosa in many different roles including Musetta in LA BOHEME,
Helene in LA BELLE HELENE, Frasquita in CARMEN and Despina in
COSI FAN TUTTE to name but a few. Theatre includes: Hermia (A
MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM), Lottie Grady (WHEN WE ARE MARRIED),
Dottie Otley (NOISES OFF) & Orinthia (THE APPLECART). Most recently
she has played Mrs Lovett in SWEENEY TODD at the Gothenburg Opera
House. Television & radio appearances include: AN AUDIENCE WITH
RONNIE CORBETT, THE HOUSE OF ELIOTT & FRIDAY NIGHT IS MUSIC NIGHT
& SONGS FROM THE SHOWS. Rosie can be heard on many cast albums
including: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, KISMET, THE BOYFRIEND, THE
WITCHES OF EASTWICK, OLIVER!, THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT OF
LES MISERABLES & MARY POPPINS. In the autumn she will be playing
Mrs Fraser in a national tour of the 40th anniversary production
of STEPPING OUT. For more information visit her website: www.rosemaryashe.com |
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JANIE
BOOTH (Mrs Holley) Janie Booth started acting at Pitlochry
in 1960. She worked in repertory in Coventry, Bristol, Keswick,
and in 1964 joined the National theatre, appearing in Laurence
Olivier’s OTHELLO, THE CRUCIBLE among other productions. She has
also worked abroad, in Holland and at the English Speaking Theatre
in Stockholm. In the West End she has appeared in PRIVATE LIVES
by Noel Coward and GLORIOUS, by Peter Quilter, starring Maureen
Lipman. Her most recent theatre appearances was as Molly in CAPTAIN
OATE’S LEFT SOCK at the Finborough Theatre. She has appeared on
television in THE BILL, UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS, DOCTORS, EASTENDERS,
AS TIME GOES BY and many other shows. Her latest film is HELL’S
PAVEMENT, directed by Andy Kemp, recently shown at the Glasgow
Film Festival. This is her first appearance at The Mill at Sonning. |
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STACEY
CADMAN (Ella) Stacey Cadman trained at Arts Educational School
in London. She was chosen from hundreds of actresses for the role
in the BBC TV series CAVEGIRL. After filming two years in the
bush in South Africa, Stacey was then chosen for the role of Poppy
in the SKY TV series MILE HIGH. Other Television credits include:
LOVE SOUP, BLESSED and CASUALTY. Her theatre work includes KEELER,
CHILDREN OF EDEN, CINDERELLA, GOLDILOCKS and PETER PAN (Newcastle
Theatre Royal). Stacey has also presented MONSTER TRUCKS, SMILE
and THE SATURDAY SHOW. |
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JESS
CONRAD (Fred Castle) Jess Conrad is one of the most versatile
of British performers to emerge from the 1960s as a major star,
who has enjoyed a long and varied career. 2009 in fact sees Jess
celebrating his 50th year in show business! Starting his showbiz
life as a repertory actor with the famous Charles Danville Company,
Jess was discovered by Jack Good who immediately placed Jess in
the original OH BOY TV shows, instantly making him one of the
original ‘teen idols’. Armed with a Decca recording contract he
topped the pop charts with hits including CHERRY PIE, MYSTERY
GIRL, THIS PULLOVER and PRETTY JENNY, being voted England’s ‘Most
popular male singer’ in the 1961 NME annual poll. Jess made the
transition for pop singer to Musical Theatre Actor receiving rave
reviews playing Jesus in GODSPELL and perhaps most famously originated
the role of Joseph in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING
TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT that played two seasons in the West End
and broke all records on numerous UK Tours. He has starred in
over 20 headlining roles in pantomimes across the UK, and enjoyed
sending himself up in the sell-out Jim Davidson romp SINDERELLA
which also saw a best selling video release. He has starred in
dozens of films including the cult classics KONGA, RAG DOLL and
the acclaimed Sidney Furie movie THE BOYS. Notable TV appearances
include Philip Bailey in CROSSROADS, Raymond Starr in the BBC
Miss Marple Classic THE BODY IN THE LIBRARY and his regular cameo
appearances on THE GENERATION GAME as the ‘Voice of Viagra’. Recent
projects have included playing British pop svengali Larry Parnes
in the new Nick Moran film TELSTAR, which premiered at the London
Film Festival and can be seen at cinemas nationally from the 19th
June 2009. Jess also narrated THE JOE MEEK STORY for BBC Radio
which has been nominated as Best Musical Documentary at the annual
Sony Awards. For further information please visit www.jessconrad.com |
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JOE
FERRERA (Felix) Anglo-Portugese Joe has been acting for many
years. Stage credits include Rosto in THE POTATO EATERS, the title
role in MACBETH, Richard in RICHARD MONTEBLATT, Molina in FACE
TO FACE, Danny in DANNY & THE DEEP BLUE SEA, Charlie Fox in SPEED
THE PLOW, Osvaldo in MADE IN LANUS and Mark Anthony in JULIUS
CAESAR. More recently he has concentrated on screen roles. Films
include ELIZABETH THE GOLDEN AGE, THE BOTANIST, SENSELESS, SPLINTER,
THE MAN WHO KILLED DON QUIXOTE, PLATO’S BREAKING POINT, A PLACE
TO STAY, ESN, THE INNOCENT SLEEP and LOST IN LA MANCHA. Television
roles include LONDON’S BURNING, ‘ORRIBLE, ROSEMARY & THYME, BENIDORM
and ULTIMATE FORCE. |
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JOEL
SAMS (Aubrey) Joel trained at Guildhall School of Music and
Drama and made his professional debut at the Mercury Theatre playing
Fox in BLUE SKY STATE. Since then, he has appeared as a bailiff
in BIG WHITE FOG at the Almeida, directed by Michael Attenborough,
as The King in Eugene Ionesco’s EXIT THE KING (Tabard Theatre),
and played various parts in two tours, EINSTEIN’S PANTS and LAST
ORDERS, for Solomon Theatre Company. Joel appeared in CORIOLANUS
as a member of the Mercury Theatre Rep Company and was part of
The Pitlochry Summer Season performing in several productions
including OUTLYING ISLANDS, SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER and ARCADIA. |
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JULIAN
WOOLFORD (Director) Julian’s recent productions: I DO! I DO!
and DEADLY MURDER (Vienna’s English Theatre) and the recent national
tours of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and SOUTH PACIFIC. London productions:
THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS, (King’s Head & Sound); BLUEBIRDS (Cochrane);
IN YOUR HANDS (New End); 2 BOYS IN A BED ON A COLD WINTER’S NIGHT
(Arts); LET HIM HAVE JUSTICE (Cochrane); OH CAROL! (Covent Garden
Festival); JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL … (King’s Head). International);
... AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS (Off- Broadway, New York); WUTHERING
HEIGHTS (European tour) and NOSTRADAMUS (Australia). Regional
productions: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, CAROUSEL (2004 National Tours)
and MURDERED TO DEATH (National Tour); FIORELLO! (Guildford),
TURN OF THE SCREW, DAMES AT SEA, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, THE FIFTEEN
STREETS, WHO’S UNDER WHERE?, THE UNDERWORLD PROJECT (Queen’s Theatre
Hornchurch); ME AND MY GIRL (Eastbourne); THE OEDIPUS COMPLEX
and OEDIPUS REX (Bristol New Vic); and THE COMEDY OF ERRORS (Worthing).
As Artistic Director of the Sevenoaks Playhouse: VITA & VIRGINIA,
THE RAILWAY CHILDREN, WALLFLOWERING, KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN (the
play), WIND IN THE WILLOWS and THE TURN OF THE SCREW. Julian has
been Artistic Director of Sevenoaks Playhouse, The Global Search
for New Musicals at The International Festival of Musical Theatre
and Associate Director of the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch. As a
writer Julian’s work includes the forthcoming new book for Lionel
Bart’s TWANG!!; TERMINAL FOUR PLAY (Theatre 503’s Urban Scrawl);
BLUEBIRDS (Cochrane); THE RAILWAY CHILDREN: A MUSICAL and THE
WIND IN THE WILLOWS (Sevenoaks Playhouse); THE SNOW QUEEN (Theatre
North); narration for BROADWAY HALL OF FAME: COLE PORTER and BROADWAY
HALL OF FAME: LEONARD BERNSTEIN for (Palace Theatre/BBC Radio
3); OH CAROL! (winner, Covent Garden Festival Best New Musical)
LET HIM HAVE JUSTICE (co-writer, Cochrane); B.Y.M (BEAUTIFUL YOUNG
MAN) (New York); THE OEDIPUS COMPLEX (Bristol New Vic). www.woolfordandjohn.com |
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| SIMON
SCULLION (Set designer) Simon trained at Wimbledon School
of Art and was a finalist on the Linbury Prize for Theatre Design.
Recent work includes – SPIDER’S WEBB, UK national tour directed
by Joe Harmston, The West End transfer of A WOMAN IN MIND, directed
by Sir Alan Ayckbourn, LAZYTOWN: THE PIRATE ADVENTURE, directed
by Richard Lewis, I DO! I DO! Directed by Julian Woolford at Vienna’s
English Theatre, and JAN RAVENS: A FUNNY LOOK AT IMPRESSIONS on
tour. Other work includes: tours of TONS OF MONEY & BLUE ROOM
both directed by Joe Harmston, QUARTERMAIN’S TERMS by Simon Gray,
directed by Harry Burton, DEADLY GAME directed by Julian Woolford,
AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, THE UNEXPECTED GUEST and THE HOLLOW,
directed by Joe Harmston. Simon also designed the feature film
CUCKOO starring Richard E Grant. www.simonscullion.co.uk |
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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 THE BED BEFORE
YESTERDAY. A few of his numerous previous designs at The Mill
include SEPARATE TABLES, TWO AND TWO MAKE SEX, CAUGHT IN THE NET,
SHADY BUSINESS, A TOUCH OF SPRING, IT’S NEVER TOO LATE, ABSENT
FRIENDS, OUT OF ORDER, MURDER BY MISADVENTURE, THE BUSINESS OF
MURDER, NOEL & GERTIE, ALPHABETICAL ORDER, A NIGHT IN PROVENCE,
THE HEIRESS, MURDER HUNT, SOUND OF MURDER, A SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY
and DEADLY MURDER. |
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SALLY
HUGHES (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, 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 very recently
the world premiére of MURDER HUNT by Brian Clemens and LOVE’S
A LUXURY. 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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| BEN
TRAVERS (Playwright) Born in Hendon in 1886, educated at Charterhouse
which was a complete failure. He served in the Royal Naval Air
Squadron during the First World War and was awarded the Air Force
Cross. Ben started writing at the age of 33 and is most well known
for the ‘Aldwych Farces’ which include A CUCKOO IN THE NEST, THARK,
PLUNDER and ROOKERY NOOK. In his ninetieth year he wrote THE BED
BEFORE YESTERDAY, produced by Lindsay Anderson and starring Joan
Plowright and Helen Mirren. When asked if he didn’t think he was
a bit old to be writing sex romps, he replied – “Ah, but you see,
I have an awfully good memory!”. |
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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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Jane Foxall |
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Technician
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Karl King |
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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, Xye Appleton |
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Theatre
Production Photography -
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Norman Weston |
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Website
Production -
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Chris Berry |