Written and performed by Alison Neil
Directed by David Collison
Coffee shops and tooth-worm, smuggling and mouse-skin eyebrows... Amid
the fascinating trivia of mid-eighteenth century life, Mary Cowper De
Grey recounts the true story of a group of Ladies of Quality who
determined to make Shakespeare fashionable. The success of the Shakespeare Ladies Club
echoes down the centuries. Mary also has a very personal tale to
recount; her involvement with a young and ambitious would-be
actor... David Garrick.
Mrs Cowper De Grey then introduces her surprise guest... and the Lords,
Gentlemen and Ladies of the audience are told a very different tale; of
a London unseen by People of Quality.
London in the
mid 1700s: vivacity and prosperity, marvels and great achievements in
art and science; when the first steps were taken to quell the squalor
and brutality of life for the poor; and women were not staying at home,
or keeping quiet...
The Georgian era revealed - as Mrs Cowper De Grey (and guest) entertain!
|
FULL VERSION (ONE interval) |
ACT ONE : The Shakespeare Ladies Club | Running time: 56 minutes |
| ACT TWO : Kate's Progress | Running time: 46 minutes | |
|
ONE HOUR VERSION (NO interval) |
The Shakespeare Ladies Club. This is a slightly extended version of ACT ONE |
Running time: 60 min |
"Eighteenth century London comes alive in the skilled hands of Alison Neil... unmissable entertainment." DORSET ECHO
"...fantastic theatre - the
audience loved it. A highly polished performance,
fantastically researched. The detail of both performances
was exquisite...hard to believe that the same performer took both
roles.
SPOT ON RURAL TOURING
"...like her previous one woman performances, is destined to delight audiences wherever she tours" THE RANGER
"...A FASCINATING INSIGHT INTO GEORGIAN LONDON, JAMMED FULL OF HISTORICAL FACT" BORDON POST
"Colourful and gripping... real life events mingle happily with amusing
anecdotes and perceptive comments which make the past come alive."
DORSET ECHO
"...a role that allowed her a full repertoire of characterisations... a
role that had the enthusiastic audience demanding four curtain calls."
THE RANGER
"TOLD WITH HUMOUR, SYMPATHY AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL... THE TWO
CONTRASTING STORIES ARE BOTH INFORMATIVE AND ENTERTAINING, PERFORMED
WITH ENERGY AND CONVICTION." BORDON POST
"Alison Neil captures the essence of these historical figures with such
potency that you feel as if you know the characters intimately."
CARMARTHEN JOURNAL
"...a mesmerising performance by an actress whose immaculate research
and attention to detail makes her productions not only entertaining but
wonderfully informative too." DORSET ECHO