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 Sonning Eye, Oxfordshire, England
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2 DECEMBER
2008 – 10 JANUARY 2009
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We have gathered together our usual merry band of Christmas actors – including the incorrigible Patrick Monckton and the irrepressible Darren Machin - with one of our favourite directors RON ALDRIDGE to bring you another hilarious comedy by DEREK BENFIELD. Brian is encouraged by his wife Hilary to take up jogging. What a great idea! Brian dons his bright yellow track suit to ostensibly run around the park. But instead he runs straight to his good friend George’s flat, where Wendy is waiting! But little does Brian know that at the same time, helpful George has romantic plans of his own. And these involve Brian’s wife Hilary! The arrangement works well, until George’s wife, Jessica returns too soon from a business trip to America. The resulting confusions and mistaken identities provide an evening of uproarious and innocent fun for the whole family. A treat not to be missed! By arrangement with The Agency (London) Ltd. 24 Pottery Lane, London W11 4LZ. By arrangement with The Agency (London) Ltd. 24 Pottery Lane, London W11 4LZ Cast in order of appearance: Wendy
- MAXINE GREGORY
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BELINDA
CARROLL (Jessica) Belinda is the 5th generation of an acting
family, whose grandparents ran and acted in companies all round
the country. In the West End she has appeared with Donald Sinden
in THERE’S A GIRL IN MY SOUP; with Gladys Cooper in HIS HERS AND
THEIRS; with Douglas Fairbanks Jnr in THE PLEASURE OF HIS COMPANY;
with David Jason in NO SEX PLEASE WE’RE BRITISH; with Dorothy
Tutin in PETER PAN; with Gordon Jackson in CARDS ON THE TABLE,
and John Inman in CHARLEY’S AUNT. At the Royal Exchange Theatre,
Manchester she appeared in TIME AND THE CONWAYS, and at the Theatre
Royal Windsor in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST; AN IDEAL HUSBAND;
DEAR OCTOPUS, HAPPIEST DAYS OF YOUR LIFE; DEAR BRUTUS and THE
HOLLOW. At the King’s Head she played Peter Pan in THE PETER PAN
MAN. She has toured extensively in musicals including THE BOYFRIEND,
SALAD DAYS and many pantomimes throughout the country. On television
Belinda has been in: TARTUFFE, LOVEJOY, MALICE AFORETHOUGHT, A
QUESTION OF GUILT, DUCHESS OF DUKE ST, GASLIGHT THEATRE opposite
Ronnie Barker, MURDER ROOMS, WODEHOUSE PLAYHOUSE, CASUALTY. She
starred in the psychological drama film NO LONGER ALONE with James
Fox. At Sonning, her many appearances include TWO AND TWO MAKE
SEX, OUT OF ORDER, FUNNY MONEY, STEPPING OUT and DON’T DRESS FOR
DINNER with Royce Mills and recently LOVE’S A LUXURY with Royce
Mills. Belinda is married to the actor Michael Cochrane and has
three children. |
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| ELIZABETH
ELVIN (Hilary) Elizabeth trained at the Arts Educational Drama
School. THEATRE: SHIRLEY VALENTINE, Palace Theatre & Chester Gateway
Theatre (Best Actress Award). THE RETURN, Birmingham Stage Co.
LOTTE'S JOURNEY, Then New End, Hampstaed. A PATCH OF BLUE, Kings
Head. THE SHY GAS MAN, for Sweetheart Productions. HOW THE OTHER
HALF LOVES, Bristol Old Vic. World Premiere of Noel Coward’s VOLCANO,
Palace Theatre. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, Liverpool Playhouse.
MERCHANT OF VENICE, Palace Theatre. INTIMATE EXCHANGES, Everyman,
Cheltenham. Noises Off, Liverpool Playhouse. 101 DALMATIANS, No.
1 Tour. WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND, Everyman/Cheltenham. THE LION,
THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE, Lyric, Hammersmith, AGATHA CHRISTIE
FESTIVAL Palace Theatre (Best Actress Award). MACBETH, Everyman/Cheltenham.
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, Chichester & Piccadilly
Theatre. CHARLIE GIRL, National Tour. THE BELLS at the Lyceum
Theatre with Steven Berkoff. For The Mill At Sonning: LOVE’S A
LUXURY, DON'T DRESS FOR DINNER, BORN YESTERDAY, STEPPING OUT,
ALONE TOGETHER AGAIN, A BEDFULL OF FOREIGNERS, HOLIDAY SNAP, POOLS
PARADISE, BEDSIDE MANNERS. TELEVISION & FILM includes: HOT FUZZ
Sheree Prosser, Universal Pictures. PANDEMIC, BBC. HG Wells –
A LIFE IN PICTURES, BBC/Wall to Wall Productions. FOOTBALLERS
WIVES, Shed Productions. Queen Bea BEYOND THE RAVE, Hammer House
of Horror. FAMILY PORTRAIT, Brainchild Productions. STATE OF PLAY,
BBC. Bernie in WICKHAM ROAD, Northiam Films Ltd. Penelope in IF
ONLY, Cable. Mrs. Harris, MONSTERS AND RABBITS. TESTAMENT OF YOUTH,
RENTAGHOST, BBC. HEAVEN’S GATE, MGM. THE JULIO INGLESIAS SHOW,
Cable. RINGS ON THEIR FINGERS, BBC. Elizabeth has also spent a
year under contract to MGM in the USA. |
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MAXINE
GREGORY (Wendy) Maxine studied Ancient History at Swansea
University and took the post-graduate classical acting course
at LAMDA. Maxine is delighted to be returning to Sonning where
she has appeared previously in RUN FOR YOUR WIFE. DON’T DRESS
FOR DINNER, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, TIME TO KILL, FRENCH WITHOUT
TEARS and STRICTLY MURDER. Maxine toured England and Norway with
the British Shakespeare Company playing Helena in A MIDSUMMER
NIGHT’S DREAM. At Chichester Festival Theatre she played The Poacher’s
Wife in THE RECRUITING OFFICER and at the Minerva Theatre Chichester,
she played Davies in THE SEA. Helen in 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 Arts Theatre she has been the
Princess in JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, Fairy Bowbells in DICK WHITTINGTON
and 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 invited to take part in a workshop by the Lark Theatre in
New York to play Esme in A FIRST CLASS MAN and a workshop in London
by the Really Useful Theatre Group to play Rose in COME DANCING
written and directed by Terry Johnson. Maxine was in HOLBY CITY
(BBC) as Sophie baker and has done extensive radio and conference
work. When time permits she plays the piano and composes her own
music. |
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| DARREN
MACHIN (Brian) Darren trained at the Webber Douglas Academy
of Dramatic Art. He started his career working for Clive Perry
at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. He was directed by Ray Cooney
in the West End production of RUN FOR YOUR WIFE and then toured
it to the Far East and Middle East for Derek Nimmo. He has enjoyed
seasons at Keswick, Westcliff, Basingstoke and Ipswich. Plays
include WHILE THE SUN SHINES (Mulvaney), WAIT UNTIL DARK (Sam),
STRAIGHT AND NARROW (Jeff), PRIVATES ON PARADE (Len Bonny), WITNESS
FOR THE PROSECUTION (Leonard Vole), GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT (Tony), SLY
FOX, LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN and A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL. He has
appeared at The Mill on several occasions. Previous productions
include A NIGHT IN PROVENCE, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, OUT OF ORDER,
YOU’RE ONLY YOUNG TWICE, WORM’S EYE VIEW, RUN FOR YOUR WIFE and
IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY. 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 THE BILL, EMMERDALE,
FAMILY AFFAIRS, FAITH, HERALD OF FREE ENTERPRISE, CRIMEWATCH UK,
HALE & PACE, HOLLYOAKS and ASHES TO ASHES. Recently he filmed
CRIMEWATCH SOLVED and an episode of SILENT WITNESS for the BBC.
He has also written his first full length play entitled MARGIE. |
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PATRICK
MONCKTON (Waiter) This is Patrick’s 7th visit to Sonning having
appeared in BIRTHDAY SUITE, SEE HOW THEY RUN, CALIFORNIA SUITE,
MOVE OVER MRS MARKHAM, OUT OF ORDER and NOT NOW DARLING. Recent
theatre work, HENRY IV Part One and Two at The Bristol old Vic.
His wideranging theatre credits include Sir Peter Hall’s LYSISTRATA
in The West End, Vienna and Athens. Martini in a national tour
of ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST, BREEZEBLOCK PARK, ONE FOR
THE ROAD at Windsor, DON JUAN, FLIGHT, CAN’T PAY WON’T PAY at
Bristol Old Vic, BEDROOM FARCE, SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER, FUNNY PECULIAR
at Haymarket, Leicester. At the National Theatre HAMLET, TROILUS
AND CRESSIDA, PLUNDER and TAMBURLAINE. Patrick’s many TV credits
include DINOTOPIA, TOUCHING EVIL, CORONATION STREET, EASTENDERS,
AN ACTOR’S LIFE FOR ME, LICKING HITLER, BERGERAC, MINDER, SECRET
SERVANT and THE BILL. He has worked on Television in America and
Canada with guest roles in DRACULA – THE SERIES, THE RETURN OF
SAM McCLOUD, SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE LEADING LADY, RIVIERA, YOUNG
INDIANA JONES and he played the part of Dr Watson in the recent
remake of ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS: MY DEAR WATSON. Films include
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO HAROLD SMITH, THE BORROWERS, THE FIRST KANGAROOS,
CRUS |
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| RON
ALDRIDGE (Director) His career as a Director/Writer/Actor
has spanned over 30 years. He has directed in regional repertory
theatre, extensively on the London Fringe, at the Edinburgh Festival,
in Israel, in Vienna, on numerous U.K. touring productions and
Summer Seasons, and in the West End of London. Part of his West
End experience was as Assistant Director to Ray Cooney. Ray Cooney
plays he has directed include; RUN FOR YOUR WIFE, OUT OF ORDER,
IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY, FUNNY MONEY, NOT NOW DARLING, THERE GOES
THE BRIDE. He has written twelve plays, and has directed the World
Premieres of each of them. His one-man play HOVERING was nominated
for an award at the Edinburgh Festival, and his three most recent
plays, YOU’RE ONLY YOUNG TWICE, IT’S NEVER TOO LATE and THAT’S
LOVE have all been published by Josef Weinberger. He directed
two productions in Israel, (in Hebrew); FUNNY MONEY and HOVERING,
and two productions in Vienna, (in English); LOVE’S A LUXURY,
and Noel Coward’s FALLEN ANGELS. U.K. touring productions and
Summer Seasons he has directed include; LIVING TOGETHER, CHILDREN’S
DAY, RUN FOR YOUR WIFE, FUNNY MONEY, THE DUMB WAITER, THE SPONGE
ROOM, REVENGE, IMMATERIAL WITNESSES, YOU’RE ONLY YOUNG TWICE,
TRUTH OR DARE, IT’S NEVER TOO LATE, and PRISONERS. Recent regional
productions he has directed at The Mill at Sonning Theatre include;
Neil Simon’s BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, Willy Russell’s ONE FOR THE
ROAD, productions of Ray Cooney’s FUNNY MONEY, OUT OF ORDER, IT
RUNS IN THE FAMILY, and RUN FOR YOUR WIFE, and most recently the
World Premiere of his new play THAT’S LOVE. Notable London Fringe
productions he has directed include; SPITTING BRICKS, THE REAL
D.J., THE VOLUNTEER, WHO NEEDS FRIENDS? and HARRY AND LARRY. As
an actor, notable West End appearances include the lead role in
the award-winning CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD at the Albery, the
long-running comedy RUN FOR YOUR WIFE at the Criterion, and THE
ODD COUPLE at the Haymarket. T.V. appearances include; MINDER,
LONDON’S BURNING, FOOL’S GOLD, THE BILL, 2.4 CHILDREN, THE KNOCK,EASTENDERS’,
and Bronco in ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES. Productions of various of
his plays are currently being performed in Israel, Hungary, Belgium,
Holland, Switzerland and Germany. |
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TONY
EDEN (Set designer) Tony is the resident scenic artist at
The Mill where numerous shows have included THAT’S LOVE, 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
DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER, IT’S NEVER TOO LATE, NOT NOW DARLING,
ALONE TOGETHER AGAIN, PERFECT WEDDING, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, RUN
FOR YOUR WIFE, THAT’S LOVE and BIRTHDAY SUIT and is delighted
to be invited back to design the set for TOUCH AND GO. |
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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 a variety of making both
period and modern costumes of which she has made many whilst at
The Mill. |
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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. |
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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 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,
ALPHABETICAL ORDER and THE HEIRESS. A few of the 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, FRENCH WITHOUT TEARS, TIME TO KILL and very
recently the world premiere 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-inlaw.
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. |
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| DEREK
BENFIELD (Playwright) Derek Benfield was born in Bradford,
Yorkshire, trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and made
his first appearances with Brian Rix's company. In his long career
he has appeared in a wide variety of parts in the theatre and
on TV, most recently as Patricia Routledge's husband in the popular
series HETTY WAINTHROPP INVESTIGATES. Derek's many stage plays
are widely produced throughout the world and include CAUGHT ON
THE HOP, BEDSIDE MANNERS and FUNNY BUSINESS (all of which have
been presented in Sonning), A FLY IN THE OINTMENT and TWO AND
TWO TOGETHER. |
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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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Janet A Cantrill |
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Wardrobe
Mistress -
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Jane Kidd |
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Deputy
Stage Managers -
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Jo Vimpany, Neil Webb |
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Assistant
Stage Manager -
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Karen Brown |
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Technician
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Ed Marshall |
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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 |