Cloud Nine (2006)
Directed by Dave Hollander
Performances: Wed 20th – Sat 23rd September 2006, Prompt Corner
Contents
Introduction
In 19th century colonial Africa, Clive and his family are flying the flag for the British Empire. At first glance, they represent the model of civilized society, ably assisted by their servant Joshua, a local man. However, it soon becomes clear that all is not well - Clive's wife and mother-in-law seem disquieted by their remoteness from British society; and his young son, Edward, is not the pillar of masculinity he might have hoped. The cracks in the family portrait really begin to show with the arrival of intrepid British explorer, Harry Bagley and the distraught Mrs Saunders, who has recently recovered from an attack by 'the natives'.
In Act 2, the setting has shifted to 1970s London, but the characters have matured by 25 years. Betty is having problems adjusting to modern urban life and longs for the heat of Africa. Meanwhile her daughter, Victoria, is unhappily married and seems to spend most of her time hanging out at the local playgroup with another young mother, Lin. Edward has found work as a gardener in the local park and is similarly dissatisfied with Gerry, his lover. How will resolution be achieved?
Caryl Churchill's classic play covers 'serious' themes: family values, sexuality, race and conflict. Nonetheless, Churchill deals with these topics with characteristic lightness of touch - their apparent heaviness is tempered by uproarious physical and verbal humour.
Cast
Act 1
- CLIVE - Simon Scholes
- BETTY - Richard Armstrong
- JOSHUA - Guy Jones
- EDWARD - Louisa Evans
- MAUD - Stephanie DePalma
- ELLEN - Crystal Evans
- HARRY BAGLEY - Adrian Sutton
- MRS SAUNDERS - Crystal Evans
Act 2
- BETTY - Crystal Evans
- EDWARD - Richard Armstrong
- VICTORIA - Louisa Evans
- MARTIN - Adrian Sutton
- LIN - Stephanie DePalma
- CATHY - Simon Scholes
- GERRY - Guy Jones
Crew
- Stage Manager - Graham Clements
- Assistant Stage Manager - Kieran Cusack
- Lighting Design - Bob Callender
- Lighting/Sound Operator - Naomi Liddle
- Costumes - Val Williams
- Production Photography - Mark Davies
Reviews
Gallery
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Reminiscences and Anecdotes
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