by Ray Cooney

Following the enormous success last Christmas of FUNNY MONEY the management of The Mill is delighted to present yet another of Ray Cooney's ingenious and side splittingly funny farces. Richard Willey, a Government Junior Minister, has plans for a naughty night of nookie with a willing Jane Worthington, one of the opposition's typists. So he checks into a hotel. But things start to go disastrously wrong when the amorous twosome discover - to their amazement - a dead body behind the curtains! Now this is serious. His political career is in jeopardy! Events go from bad to worse for Willey as each knock at the door of Suite 648 heralds a new threat - culminating in the arrival of the would-be lovers' spouses. This riotously funny play by the man rightly crowned The King of Comedy, was massively successful in the West End winning the Olivier Award for Comedy of the Year. And is guaranteed to start your Yuletide season with a huge smile on your face.

By arrangement with Samuel French Ltd

BELINDA CARROLL (Pamela Willey) Belinda is the 5th generation of an acting family, continued by her elder son Tam and daughter Amy. She trained in repertory at Wimbledon and played in musicals, pantomimes and summer seasons at an early age. Her first West End appearance was playing opposite Donald Sinden in THERE'S A GIRL IN MY SOUP, HIS HERS & THEIRS, with Gladys Cooper, THE PLEASURE OF HIS COMPANY with Douglas Fairbanks Jnr, NO SEX PLEASE WE'RE BRITISH, with David Jason, Wendy to Dorothy Tutin's PETER PAN, Agatha Christie's CARDS ON THE TABLE. Outside London, she has appeared in Priestley's TIME AND THE CONWAYS at the Royal Exchange, Manchester, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST and AN IDEAL HUSBAND at Windsor and touring. TV work includes TARTUFFE, BBC, PLAY OF THE MONTH, BBC2 MELODRAMAS playing opposite Ronnie Barker, A QUESTION OF GUILT, MURDER ROOMS and CASUALTY. She last appeared here as Dorothy in the very successful STEPPING OUT. She is married to Michael Cochrane and they have a son Tom, a potential rock guitarist.

PAUL COOPER (The Body) Paul's theatre career has taken him to many parts of the country playing extensively in repertory, on tour, and the West End, most notably as Hopkins in BIG BAD MOUSE at the Prince of Wales, Clumper in BIG WOLF at the Royal Court, irdy Johnson in the CRUCIFER OF BLOOD at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket and the Actor in THE ACTORS NIGHTMARE at the Arts Festival in Hong Kong. Paul's TV credits include Bill in GRACE AND FAVOUR, Sid in ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES, Flick's Tailor, Hitler, a dog! and the voice of 'London Calling' in four series of 'ALLO 'ALLO. He played Toe Rag Ron in MINDER, Milko in THE TWO OF US, Terry in THE BILL and Truman in three series of THE PIGLET FILES. He was last seen on television as Cat Slater's Chauffeur Peter, in EASTENDERS. His films include BRITANNIA HOSPITAL and LIFEFORCE. This will be Paul's fifth production at The Mill having previously played Bobby Hargreaves in CHASE ME COMRADE, Brian in BUILDING BLOCKS, Bill in FUNNY MONEY and Charles Babcock in THERE GOES THE BRIDE. He is delighted to be once again working at The Mill.

RICHARD DERRINGTON (Richard Willey) TV appearances include EASTENDERS, HEARTBEAT, CROWN PROSECUTOR, LOVEJOY, MAKING OUT, POIROT, JUPITER MOON, CASUALTY, DOCTORS, MY DAD'S THE PRIME MINISTER, THE BILL and he played David Douglas in DREAM TEAM. Richard spent four years with the RSC then two with the Old Vic Company. More recent theatre has been with Alan Ayckbourn's Company in Scarborough. At Greenwich he played Colin in ABSENT FRIENDS and most recently at Chester, Alan Turing in BREAKING THE CODE for which he won the Liverpool Echo and Daily Post award for 'Best Actor 2003'. Richard has appeared in over 150 radio drama productions for the BBC. For 14 years he played Mark Hebden in THE ARCHERS. He has recorded many audio books including the number one best seller THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY as Book at Bedtime. His first one-man show TAYLOR'S TICKLER by Anthony Naylor has played over 500 times worldwide including the RST Swan and The Royal National Theatre. He wrote and now plays MY KINGDOM FOR A HORSE? a sideways look at Richard III, HOVERING written and directed by Ron Aldridge and has just opened SHAKESPEARE'S OTHER ANNE by the TV producer and novelist William Smethurst. He has recently adapted MOBY DICK into a play for two actors and no whale which is due to open at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough next summer.

JOANNA ELIOT (Jane Worthington) Joanna is a recent graduate of the Webber Douglas Academy. She made her professional theatre debut at The Mill in AN EVENING WITH GARY LINEKER, playing Birgitta, and is very happy to be invited back. Other theatre credits include TIME AND THE CONWAYS (Theatre Royal Bath), JOURNEY TO MACBETH (Theatrum Botannicum), THE ERPINGHAM CAMP (Barons Court) and THE SECRET RAPTURE (EUTC). Whilst at Webber Douglas credits include: Martha in THE CONSTANT WIFE, Mrs Irving Berlin in THE MELODY LINGERS ON and Frances in RACING DEMON. TV credits include: LIFE BEYOND THE BOX as Young Margo (BBC2); MARGERY & GLADYS (Carlton). Voice over work: Wall to wall productions and Usborne Press and Audio Books.

HARRY GOSTELOW (Hotel Manager) Harry Gostelow was at The Mill last year in A FOOT IN THE DOOR and POOLS PARADISE, and before that in HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES, JOKING APART and THE RELUCTANT DEBUTANTE. He has just returned from Singapore performing the title role in THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, and this summer he was in PARTY PIECE with George Cole (Windsor and National tour). He has enjoyed several seasons at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre with KING LEAR, THE ANTIPODES, HAMLET, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, AUGUSTINE'S OAK. Other theatre work includes PINOCCHIO (Lyric Hammersmith), PUNTILA & HIS MAN MATTI (Almeida, Albery and National Tour), IVANOV (Almeida and Moscow), SCENES FROM PARADISE (Riverside Studies), FORTY YEARS ON (Stephen Joseph, Scarborough) MURDER AT THE VICARAGE (Windsor) and RICHARD III (Ludlow Festival). He has appeared on television in MIDSOMER MURDERS (3 times, always a doctor), EASTENDERS, FOYLE'S WAR, SILENT WITNESS, BREAKOUT, JULIA JEKYLL & HARRIET HYDE, THE BILL, SOLDIER SOLDIER, BETWEEN THE LINES and CLASS ACT. His film credits include AKA, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE and SHOOTING FISH. Harry has recently made his directorial debut with national tours of MAKING NOBODIES SOMEBODIES, CATHERINE BOOTH and THE ETERNAL BATTLE (all for The Jasperian Theatre Company).

ABI HARRIS (Gladys) Abi last appeared at Sonning as Terri Coleman in THE FACE OF FEAR. Her other theatre credits include Polly Garter, Mae Rose Cottage, Mrs Beynon and other roles in UNDER MILK WOOD (Old Sorting Office, Barnes); The Dream Woman in THE LAST DREAM (Sherman, Cardiff); Janice in THE FINISHING SCHOOL (Nuffield Studio) and understudy for Eileen in OVER THE MOON (Old Vic). Abi's other work includes Ellen in BOTTLED UP for TAPS new writers and The Dream Woman in THE LAST DREAM for HTV/Penderyn Films. She directed ASHA'S SOTRY for Asian Arts Access and has also directed THE WIZARD OF OZ, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK and BUGSY MALONE in schools. Abi trained at Rose Bruford College where she played Rosalind in AS YOU LIKE IT; Livia in WOMEN BEWARE WOMEN; Ranyevskaya in THE CHERRY ORCHARD; Clytaemnestra in ELECTRA; Judy in SORE THROATS and the leading roles in ANTIGONE and NANA. Abi is currently training for the London Marathon which she is running in aid of The Actors' Charitable Trust.

PATRICK MONCKTON (The Waiter) This is Patrick's 4th visit to Sonning having appeared in SEE HOW THEY RUN, CALIFORNIA SUITE and MOVE OVER MRS MARKHAM. Recent theatre work HENRY IV at Bristol Old Viv. His wide-ranging theatre credits include Sir Peter Hall's LYSISTRATA in the West End and in 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 and CAN'T PAY? WON'T PAY! At Bristol: BEDROOM FARCE, SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER, FUNNY PECULIAR. His work at the National Theatre includes HAMLET, TROILUS AND CRESSIDA, PLUNDER and TAMBURLAINE. Patrick's many television credits include DINOTOPIA, TOUCHING EVIL, CORONATION STREET, HEAD OVER HEELS, POIROT, THE BILL, MINDER, and BRIDESHEAD REVISITED, all for various ITV companies, and, for the BBC, EASTENDERS, THE BRITTAS EMPIRE, AN ACTOR'S LIFE FOR ME, MOON AND SON, BERGERAC, SHADOW OF THE NOOSE, LICKING HITLER, THE SECRET SERVANT and PROFESSIONAL FOUL. He works regularly on television in America, with guest roles in several episodes of DRACULA - THE SERIES, THE RETURN OF SAM McCLOUD, SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE LEADING LADY, RIVIERA, YOUNG INDIANA JONES and he played Doctor Watson in the recent remake of ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS - MY DEAR WATSON. Patrick's films include WHATEVER HAPPENED TO HAROLD SMITH?, THE BORROWERS, THE FIRST KANGAROOS, ROBINSON CRUSOE and HANNA'S WAR.

DAN RYMER (Ronnie Worthington) Dan is probably best known for playing the regular character of 'Dillon Cahill' in two series of CASUALTY for the BBC. Various West End appearances include 'Bailiff & Clerk' in CHICAGO at the Adelphi Theatre; 'Kenickie' in GREASE at the Cambridge Theatre and as a featured performer in a Tribute to Cameron Mackintosh HEY MR. PRODUCER at the Lyceum Theatre. Dan starred opposite Tracey Bennett in the role of 'Michael' in THE LAST SONG OF THE NIGHINGALE by Peter Quilter at the Edinburgh Festival and subsequently at Greenwich Theatre and he has most recently been seen as 'Greg' in the UK tour of I'LL BE BACK BEFORE MIDNIGHT.

IAN TARGETT (George Pigden) Ian has previously worked at Sonning in SEASON'S GREETINGS and TAKING STEPS. Other theatre credits include BOWS AND ARROWS (Royal Court), WHY ME? (Strand), THE KISS OF LIFE and A VIEW OF KABUL (Bush Theatre) ROMEO AND JULIET (Renaissance Theatre Company at Lyric, Hammersmith), BEACHED (Warehouse Theatre/Old Red Lion), EURYDICE (Battersea Arts Centre), BURNING POINT (Tricycle Theatre) WAITING FOR GODOT (Oxford Playhouse), LOOT, THE TENANT OF WILDFELL HALL, ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR (Birmingham Rep) TARTUFFE (Theatr Clwyd) TIME AND TIME AGAIN, SEE HOW THEY RUN, DONKEYS YEARS (Salisbury), CANDIDA (Octagon, Bolton) MOVING SUSAN, CORPSE, A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Basingstoke), STARS AND STRIVE (Sheffield). Ian has also been in national tours of AN INSPECTOR CALLS, THE WOMAN IN BLACK and THE WINSLOW BOY. Television credits include Leslie in the Alan Bennett play MARKS, Geoff in A TASTE OF HONEY, Spence in OVER THE RAINBOW, MIND GAMES by Linda La Plante, THE LAST DETECTIVE, DOCTORS, TRUST ME, CASUALTY, FOREVER GREEN, BAD BOYS, LAW AND DISORDER, GRANGE HILL and GIFTED by Kay Mellor. Film credits - THE FOOL, A DANGEROUS MAN and THE JOKE. Many radio plays include HENRY V and RAT IN THE SKULL.

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 FUNNY MONEY, THERE GOES THE BRIDE directed and acted in YOU'RE ONLY YOUNG TWICE at The Mill and is delighted to be invited back.

DANIEL COLLINS (Set designer) Dan started working in theatre as a flyman at Harrogate theatre in 1992. Since then Dan has worked in theatres from Pitlochry to Ipswich as a scenic artist and prop maker. He has designed five pantos for Harrogate as well as the musical FROM A JACK TO A KING and Alan Ayckbourn's ABSENT FRIENDS. Since working at The Mill Dan has designed POOLS PARADISE, WRITE ME A MURDER, FUNNY MONEY and YOU'RE ONLY YOUNG TWICE.

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 TOO MARVELOUS FOR WORDS, FUNNY ABOUT LOVE, MY THREE ANGELS, INSIDE JOB, SEASON'S GREETINGS, BUILDING BLOCKS, A FOOT IN THE DOOR, POOLS PARADISE, BOYS WILL BE BOYS, THE MATING GAME, WRITE ME A MURDER, A PASSIONATE WOMAN, FUNNY MONEY, JUST BETWEEN OURSELVES, THE FACE OF FEAR, YOU'RE ONLY YOUNG TWICE, AN EVENING WITH GARY LINEKER, STEPPING OUT,THERE GOES THE BRIDE, I REMEMBER YOU and MURDER BY MISADVENTURE.

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 OUT OF ORDER, MURDER BY MISADVENTURE. A few of his previous designs at The Mill, include most recently MURDER BY MISADVENTURE, I REMEMBER YOU, THERE GOES THE BRIDE, STEPPING OUT, THE FACE OF FEAR, DEAD GUILTY, ALONE TOGETHER, OUT OF ORDER, TWO DOZEN RED ROSES, THE BUSINESS OF MURDER and NOEL & GERTIE.

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 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 and most recently STEPPING OUT. 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. Last year Sally appeared in TOO MARVELOUS FOR WORDS, at the King's Head, London.

RAY COONEY (Playwright) In addition to co-writing BANG BANG BEIRUT and ONE FOR THE POT with Tony Hilton, Ray Cooney has collaborated with John Chapman on the highly successful farces MOVE OVER MRS MARKHAM, NOT NOW DARLING, THERE GOES THE BRIDE and on his own, he has written CHASE ME COMRADE, TWO INTO ONE, RUN FOR YOUR WIFE, IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY and most recently FUNNY MONEY. He founded the famous Theatre of Comedy in1983, subsequently becoming Artistic Director. During Ray's hectic theatrical career he has always found time to continue acting and played the last year of RUN FOR YOUR WIFE! in London before appearing in the New York production. Recently he played the lead in IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY and FUNNY MONEY. Ray has been married to Linda for over thirty five years and, apart from their son, Michael (author of CASH ON DELIVERY!) they have an elder son Danny who lives in Australia with his wife and two children. The sequel to RUN FOR YOUR WIFE, called CAUGHT IN THE NET recently had a successful run at the Vaudeville Theatre in the West End and Ray and Michael, his son, have just co-written TOM, DICK & HARRY which had its premiere at Windsor Theatre Royal last November and is due to open in the West End in March '05.