The Night Heron (2019)
Performances: Tue 8th – Sat 12th October 2019, Old Fire Station
Contents
Introduction
The play is set in the Fens just outside Cambridge over a few days in the winter of 2002. It tells the story of a couple of unemployed Cambridge University gardeners, Wattmore and Griffin, and the female ex-con (Bolla Fogg) they take as a lodger to help make ends meet. Religion, superstition and fear of the outsider permeate the play, which is hilarious and tragic at the same time and laden with poetry, allegory and general strangeness. As well as comedy policemen, ginger cake and rabbits.
Cast
- Wattmore - Jack King
- Griffin - Tom Watts
- Bolla Fogg - Caroline Doyle
- Neddy Beagle - Chris Bennett
- Royce - Martin Copland-Gray
- Boy - Louie Chapman
- Dougal - Rob Wallis
- Voice of Fens Radio Newsreader - Caroline Beckett
Crew
- Stage Manager - Caroline Beckett
- Assistant Stage Managers - Rob Wallis, David Carr
- Set Designer - Chaz Doyle
- Lighting Designer - Bryon Fear
- Sound Designer - Tom Watts
- Operator - Oliver Adkin
- Set construction - Hans Mudlamootoo, Sean Thomas and the cast
- Rigging - Sean Thomas
- Iconostasis and props - Carole Ironside
- Props - Caroline Beckett
- Costume - Cast & SLT Wardrobe with thanks to Jenny Bennett
- Poster Design - Bryon Fear
- Photos - Megan Jordan
Thanks
I'd like to thank my cast first and foremost for getting so on board with this play, asking to do extra rehearsals, adding your many and very strong opinions, your sacrifices (sort of) and bravery (absolutely) and generally making it what it is.Cal Beckett and her team for wrangling improbable quantities of food and ludicrous props, Chaz Doyle for another amazing set (I did say it would be very simple), Carole Ironside for putting together the beautiful iconostasis, Bryon Fear for his moody lighting design and exquisite poster and Sean Thomas for his outstanding rigging, Tom Watts for the evocative soundscape Barry Heselden and the How to Disappear.. cast for swapping rehearsal space with us, Bex Law for her patience at our endless requests for rehearsal space. Thanks also to Adam Crook, Jennifer Nettles, Elena Markham and Jason Salmon. Also to bar staff for keeping us watered and box office and front of house for making sure people get to see it.
Reviews
Bryon Fear
The Night Heron is one of the best plays I’ve read in many years. A play that is transportative and takes you into a world you’d never ordinarily find yourself; a tale which walks a tightrope between the very ordinary and a League of Gentlemen-esque darkness which is gently brought to life by an array of characters you will love and hate ... (but mostly love).
I was at a stumble through tech rehearsal last night and I must say, despite the stopping and starting, the corpsing and some failed lighting cues, it was a delight - extremely funny in places and I will go out on a limb here and say that everyone has brought their A-Game to the direction, acting and overall design.
Anna Rubincam
SLT was in full plumage last night with the Night Heron. Lisa Thomas’s vision is immersive and meticulous and the performances from the cast are extraordinary. This is a show that will stay with you and follow you home. Don’t miss it!
Will Howells
Excellent stuff all round from The Night Heron gang! Every element of the production spot on and of course that includes the fantastic cast. Great work!
Saffy Andrews
Glad I got to see 'The Night Heron' last night, what a talented bunch and the set was lovely. Anyone who hasn't had a chance to see 'The Night Heron' what are you even doing.
Give it a watch, so silly not to. Break a leg for the rest of the shows XxxxX
Bex Law
PSA: The Night Heron is beautifully crafted: brilliantly acted by a faultless cast, subtle & engaging direction, & you even get to learn some anatomy. GO VISIT THE FENS!
Kim Goldsmith
(At time of writing) Two more chances to see The Night Heron - one of my favourite SLT shows so far, and that is saying something as there have been many fabulous shows! The play is mesmerising and confounding (in a good way). The cast to is top notch - special kudos to Caroline Doyle, Jack King, Tom Watts with a great performance against type and Louie Chapman. And I loved the set - it reminded me of some professional sets I have seen. Finally, who could pass up another chance to see the beloved SLT rabbits?!?
Seriously, this is one you don't want to miss - I was a wee bit surprised that it wasn't quite full last night.
Helen Jones
This show will stick in the memory for some time, for sure.
Christine Theophilus
Congratulations to you, Caroline, Jack, Tom and everyone involved in this brilliant production. And thanks, Lisa for great direction (and casting). Lovely set, too, thanks Chaz.
Gallery
- Photos by Megan Jordan
Reminiscences and Anecdotes
This play has been the generator of a multitude of new #hashtags by the hashtag king, Mr Tom Watts: #BEAD (book early avoid disappointment) has been joined by #BLAST (book late and stress Tom); #BEAST (book early avoid stressing Tom) and #BEQUEATH (book early, quit upsetting everyone at theatre headquarters) as well as Caroline Doyle's #CASTS (come along see the show).
See Also
Have there been other SLT productions of this play? Link to them here.
Or add anything that is related within this site. The author's page for instance or other plays with a similar theme.
