A Comedy
by Ray Cooney & John Chapman

It is the morning of Judy Westerby's wedding and there is much family chaos, as you would expect, in the Westerby household. But Timothy Westerby, father of the bride and advertising executive, is obsessed by work even on such an important day. He has the idea of making a 1920's flapper the focus of a new campaign for a firm of bra manufacturers. Then he gets a bang on the head. He wakes up and - lo and behold! - the cut-out figure of the campaign girl, Polly, is flesh and blood - the trouble is, only he can see her. Now the fun starts with an hallucinating father, the arrival of a furious future father-in-law and an eccentric grandfather, the increasingly distraught bride desperately locks herself in the bathroom and won't - no matter what - come out!

Ray Cooney and John Chapman have kept Britain laughing fro decades and they certainly have a winner in this fiendishly clever farce that will tickle your ribs and have you laughing in the aisles.

By arrangement with Joseph Weinberger Ltd.

EMMA BARTON (Polly Perkins) Emma trained at the Guildford School of Acting. Theatre includes: ANYONE CAN WHISTLE (Savoy Theatre); ALL STARS BIRTHDAY GALA (Chichester Festival Theatre); Angela Crowe in EVERYTHING'S TERRIFIC, HELP! (Electric Theatre, Guildford); Marie-Louise in NAPOLEON (Triumph Productions); Aladdin in ALADDIN (Wyllotts Centre, Potters Bar); Judy Sparrow in SCORING A HIT (The American Church); Beauty's Sister in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (UK tour), Dick Whittington in DICK WHITTINGTON (Wyllotts Theatre, Potters Bar); the RSC production of THE SECRET GARDEN (Stratford Upon Avon & Aldwych Theatre), Eileen OVER THE MOON (Old Vic) in which she appeared with Joan Collins and Frank Langella; Prince Charming in CINDERELLA (Broadway Theatre, Lewisham); Marty in GREASE (Victoria Palace); Norma in VICTOR/VICTORIA (Bridewell Theatre) and most recently Marcia Grey in GRAB ME A GONDOLA (Theatre Museum). TV and Film: Betty Jones in SECRET HISTORY (WAR TIME CRIME) (Channel 4) and M15 Officer in SPOOKS (BBC). Recordings include: FAR PAVILIONS and THE SECRET GARDEN.

ERIC CARTE (Bill Shorter) Eric trained at the Drama Centre. He appeared in the successful West End runs of THE CONSTANT WIFE (with Jenny Seagrove) and FALLEN ANGELS (with Felicity Kendal and Frances de la Tour) and recently appeared in the new play THE HINGE OF THE WORLD at Guildford. Other West End credits includes: HAMLET (with Ian McKellen), CORIOLANUS (with Nicol Williamson) for the RSC, BUTLEY (with John Nettles), UNDERGROUND (with Raymond Burr), TWO INTO ONE (with John Thaw and Daniel Massey). Extensive Regional Theatre and Internatioal Tours include TOWARDS ZERO; M. BUTTERFLY; SEE HOW THEY RUN; DEATHTRAP; ONLY WHEN I LAUGH; THE PLEASURE OF HIS COMPANY; TEN TIMES TABLE; MOVE OVER MRS MARKHAM; DEAD FUNNY; DANGEROUS OBSESSION; THE MERCHANT OF VENICE; ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA; I AM A CAMERA; DANGEROUS CORNER; THE LION IN WINTER (opposite Joan Fontaine in Vienna); RUN FOR YOUR WIFE and FUNNY MONEY (for Ray Cooney's Comedy at Sea Company); PRIVATE LIVES; EASY VIRTUE (King's Head); BRIEF ENCOUNTER and THE GENTLE HOOK (Theatre Royal, Windsor. Eric's most recent appearance at The Mill was as Vic Johnson in FUNNY MONEY. Television includes: ROSEMARY AND THYME, ABSOLUTE POWER, THE DAY BRITAIN STOPPED, DOWN TO EARTH, CHILLERS, SUNDAY LUNCH, BODY STORY, PEOPLE LIKE US, GHOSTHUNTER, HEARTBEAT, NANCHERROW, TOUCH AND GO, THE WOMAN IN WHITE, POIROT - HERCULE POIROT'S CHRISTMAS, PRIVATE SCHULTZ, THE FAMOUS FIVE GO TO TREASURE ISLAND, BOUQUET OF BARBED WIRE and ANOTHER BOUQUET. Films include DAISIES IN DECEMBER with Jean Simmons and Joss Ackland; THE BEAST MUST DIE and ZEPPELIN.

BRIAN HEWLETT (Dr Gerald Drimmond) Brian continues to play Neil Carter in BBC's THE ARCHERS since the character's introduction in 1973. He began working in 1959 at London's Mermaid Theatre in LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS, TREASURE ISLAND, and GREAT EXPECTATIONS. A nationwide tour followed, of Brendan Behan's THE HOSTAGE and since then has continued to work in various Reps throughout the country, playing leading roles in comedies, dramas and musicals. At the Cambridge Theatre in London he played Amos Hart (Mr Cellophane) in he original production of CHICAGO in 1980. Other musical roles include Herbie in GYPSY, Herr Shultz in CABARET, Mushnik in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Lion in THE WIZARD OF OZ, and, his favourite, Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. In 1985 Brian came to The Mill and performed in RATTLE OF A SIMPLE MAN and THE GINGERBREAD LADY. More recent work includes SINGLE SPIES and A CHIP IN THE SUGAR (TALKING HEADS) both by Alan Bennett, Dame in JACK AND THE BEANSTALK and BREAKING THE CODE. Film and TV credits include Roger Corman's THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH, PULASKI, THE UNINVITED, EASTENDERS, STRANGER THAN FICTION and EXTREME DANGER - PAUL'S STORY. Brian has worked extensively in Radio for 40 years. One of his favourite roles was the infamous Widmerpool in the 26 episode adaptation of Anthony Powell's 12 novel epic A DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF TIME. Patrons of The Mill will remember he played Donald in A PASSIONATE WOMAN last autumn, and this spring, he has been touring in a new play called MISSING.

PAUL COOPER (Charles Babcock) 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 fourth production at The Mill having previously played Bobby Hargreaves in CHASE ME COMRADE, Brian in BUILDING BLOCKS and Bill in FUNNY MONEY. He is delighted to be once again working at The Mill.

PATRICIA KANE (Daphne) Patricia's wide-ranging theatre credits include QUIET WEEKEND, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, NIGHT MUST FALL, THE CRUCIBLE, ON THE RAZZLE, SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER, FORGET ME NOT LANE, WHEN THE WIND BLOWS, THARK, ENTERTAINING MR SLOANE, THE OLD DEVILS, MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, WIZARD OF OZ, HAY FEVER and ROPE. At The Mill she played in PASTIMES, PARTY PIECE, MURDER MISTAKEN, WORMS EYE VIEW, GRAPES AND RAISINS, SYLVIA'S WEDDING, MOVE OVER MRS MARKHAM, also OLD TIME MUSIC HALL with the Hiss & Boo Company. TV credits include DISTRICT NURSE, UNEXPLAINED LAUGHTER, TENDER LOVING CARE, OPEN ALL HOURS, VICAR OF DIBLEY, AQUILA, CRIMEWATCH, THE BILL (seven times), DEVICES AND DESIRES and SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM. Since her last season in Sonning she has appeared in THE BILL (again), MY FAMILY, DOCTORS (to be shown next September), commercials in South Africa, Spain and France, also two films waiting for release. Her most recent role was in the musical NUNSENSE playing Mother Superior at the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton, from which she is still recuperating!

ROYCE MILLS (Timothy Westerby) Royce was here last year in POOLS PARADISE and is delighted to be back again. His West End debut was in the 1967 rival of THE BOY FRIEND (Comedy), since when appearances include the Gershwin/Wodehouse musical OH, KAY! (Westminster), GIVE A DOG A BONE (Westminster), Ben Travers' last play THE BED BEFORE YESTERDAY (Lyric), SMALL AND BRASSY - revue (Wyndham's), Boucicault's THE STREETS OF LONDON (Her Majesty's), Ray Cooney's RUN FOR YOUR WIFE! (Shaftesbury), THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Her Majesty's) SOME LIKE IT HOT (Prince Edward) and DON'T DRESS FOR DINNER (Apollo and Duchess), in which he played the lead continuously for almost five years, Ostrovsky's THE FOREST adapted by Alan Ayckbourn (Royal National theatre, JEFFREY BERNARD IS UNWELL (Old Vic) - recreating the performance he gave with Peter O'Toole ten years previously (Apollo and Shaftesbury) and Gillian Lynne's DICK WHITTINGTON (Sadler's Wells). For nearly four years he was principal with The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company at the Savoy Theatre, appearing as Sir Joseph Porter KCB in HMS PINAFORE (also in USA), Major-General Stanley in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Private Willis in IOLANTHE and Pooh-Bah in THE MIKADO. Television debut was on BBC Children's Television, live from Lime Grove in 1955 (as a boy!) since when some 2,000 appearances range from Bing Crosby's butler, KEEPING UP APPEARANCES and THE MORECAMBE AND WISE SHOW to Squire Trelawney in Ken Russell's TREASURE ISLAND and, most recently in OUT OF SIGHT and Polterguest for Carlton and the BBC'S SERIES ABOUT M15 - spooks. Films include UP POMPEII, UP THE CHASTITY BELT, REAL LIFE, SUNDAY, BLOODY SUNDAY and Mell Brooks' HISTORY OF THE WORLD - Part One. A regular broadcaster, for twenty years he was heard on Radio 4's WEEK ENDING and the World Service compilation TWO CHEERS, also many series based on P G WODEHOUSE'S STORIES from BLANDINGS. He is immensely proud of having given the Daleks voices for four series of DR WHO. Royce trained at the Guildhall, where he was the Major Open Scholar in dramatic Art, Shakespeare Prizeman and the Gold Medallist. At Christmas he will be seen as Widow Twankey in ALADDIN at Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

SUSAN SKIPPER (Ursula) Susan was born in London but her childhood was spent in Dorset and Sussex. She trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama. On leaving Central she made her first film THE SMILING GIRL MURDER. Her television work is extensive and includes such credits as, SHADES OF GREENE, HUNTERS WALK, Victoria in four series of THE CEDAR TREE, WEST END TALES, LADYKILLERS, RAFFLES, PRINCE REGENT, AIRLINE, SORRY, WESTBEACH and more recently the children's series called KEVIN AND KRYSTAN. She also played Greta in Cecil Clarke's production of THE DANCING YEARS for ITV, and she was Madeline in six series of the BBC comedy hit DON'T WAIT UP. Theatre work includes, Margery in THE COUNTRY WIFE, Rosemary in HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, Constance in SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER at Greenwich, Holly in Bernard Slade's SWEET WILLIAM, and Lady Chiltern in AN IDEAL HUSBAND for Vienna's English Theatre. Her films include A ROYAL PERFORMANCE for ABC and WISH YOU WERE HERE for Zenith, which won the Fipresci Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Susan is delighted to be working at The Mill again following her appearances as Susan in THE LITTLE HUT, Valerie in SAY WHO YOU ARE, Sophie in TEN TIMES TABLE and Emilie in MY THREE ANGELS.

SOPHIA THIERENS (Judy Westerby) Sophia trained at the Art's Educational School, The Italia Conti Academy and the National Youth Music Theatre Company with leading roles in NOYES FLUDDE (Covent Garden Festival) the premiere of THE VALIANT APPRENTICE (Edinburgh Festival) and THE BEGGAR'S OPERA (Lyric, Hammersmith and Swan Theatre, Stratford). Other theatre credits include: Polly Brown in THE BOYFRIEND; understudied and played Julie Jordon in CAROUSEL; Hope Harcourt in ANYTHING GOES (all National tours); understudied and played Cosette in LES MISERABLES (Palace Theatre); Paula in a rehearsed reading of DINNER AT EIGHT (Royal Saloon, Theatre Royal, Drury Lane) and most recently Mice Girl in 2084 at Greenwich Theatre. Sophia has also starred in Pantomime in SNOW WHITE, CINDERELLA and ALADDIN. Television credits: Presenter on: SPIN SPIN SPIN and MORNING CHAT (Friendly TV Sky Digital); Lydia Bennet in RED DWARF SERIES 7 (BBC2), numerous roles in AGONY (Live TV) and DREAM TV (Sky One). Opera credits: WILLIAM TELL (Royal Opera House) and THE ADVENTURES OF MR BROUCEK (ENO Coliseum). Concerts: POLLIUTO (Royal Festival Hall), Sydmonton Festival and ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER'S 50th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS (Royal Albert Hall and Channel 4).

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, 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 and STEPPING OUT.