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“The Dresser” a classic play by Ronald Harwood. Friday 25th and Saturday 26th May 2018 THE SETTING 1942. A dressing room of a provincial theatre during World War 2. Bombs are dropping and air raid sirens wailing. Norman, the dresser, is preparing Sir the actor manager for his stage performance of King Lear. SYNOPSIS Sir’s touring theatre company is determined to carry on performing Shakespeare’s classic plays to the masses even though war is raging and everyday life is being destroyed. Sir, Her Ladyship and other actors perform all over the country every evening. Turmoil strikes when Sir becomes ill and possibly incapable of performing. Norman possessively takes control of Sir enabling him to give the performance of his life but to what cost? The final devastating conclusion of the play cause Norman to re-think the meaning of his devoted service. There are echo’s of the pain and humour of Lear and Fool in King Lear. PLAY BACKGROUND Ronald Harwood’s wonderful 1980 play has been performed many times all over the world and filmed twice. The first film was in 1983 starring Albert Finney as “Sir” and Tom Courtenay as “Norman”. Another TV production for the BBC was made in 2015, starring Anthony Hopkins as “Sir” and Ian McKellen as “Norman”. Ronald Harwood was the dresser to Sir Donald Wolfit between 1953 and 1958. Wolfit was an actor manager who had performed throughout WW2, insisting on low ticket prices to encourage people from all walks of life to experience our culture. The play is not strictly autobiographical but there are many similarities. PERFORMANCES The Dartmouth Players invite you to celebrate our 90th year anniversary with two performances of this great play on the 25th and 26th May 2018. Doors open 6:30 pm. Live music from 7:00 pm. The Dresser starts 7:30 pm. Interval of 20 minutes. Estimated evening end 9:45 pm. MUSIC As a bonus, our own Vera Lynn (Terri-Kate Lee) will sing pre-1940’s songs, live from 7:00 pm so why not come early, get a drink from the bar and soak up the period atmosphere. Songs include: "I Got Rhythm" , "With A Smile and A Song", *Somewhere Over The Rainbow" "When You Wish Upon A Star" and "We'll Gather Lilacs In The Spring Again". CAST (In order of appearance) Norman Graham Mewis Her Ladyship Shaunagh Radcliffe Madge Linda Churchill Sir Bill Hunt Irene Linda Marshall Geoffrey Fred Radcliffe Oxenby Craig Varnam Lady Rebecca Weemes PRODUCTION Director Shaunagh Radcliffe Assisted by Bill Hunt/Linda Churchill Stage Manager Norman Cork Stage Computer Veronica Cork Props Alison Adams Make-up adviser Anna Gwillam Costumes Linda Churchill Set Bill Hunt, Tim Adams and members of the cast. Pre-show singer Terri-Kate Lee Performances will be Friday 25th and Saturday 26th May 2018 at the Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth. Tickets on sale now. |
