FIRST LOOK: Sara Kestelman in The Lady In The Van at Theatre Royal Bath

Theatre Royal Bath presents Alan Bennett's The Lady In The Van

We hope you enjoy Nobby Clark’s great production photos from the Theatre Royal Bath’s new production of Alan Bennett’s The Lady In The Van directed by Jonathan Church. In 1974, Miss Mary Shepherd, a homeless woman, temporarily moved her clapped out Bedford van into Alan Bennett’s front garden at Gloucester Crescent, Camden. She remained parked there for the next fifteen years. Olivier Award-winner Sara Kestelman (Filthy Business, Copenhagen, Cabaret) stars as Bennett’s beloved character Miss Mary Shepherd. She is joined by Sam Alexander as Alan Bennett, William Gaunt as Underwood and James Northcote who will share the role of Alan Bennett. The full cast includes Emma Amos, Lia Burge, Paul Hickey, Gabrielle Lloyd, David Shaw Parker, Steve Simmonds and Cat Simmons. The Lady In The Van runs until 2 September 2017 THE LADY IN THE VAN TICKETS

Full casting announced for Theatre Royal Bath’s The Lady In The Van

Sarah Kestleman stars in Alan Bennett's The Lady In The Van at Theatre Royal Bath

Olivier Award-winner Sara Kestelman is to star in Jonathan Church’s new production of Alan Bennett’s The Lady in the Van which is to run at the Theatre Royal Bath from 17 August to 2 September 2017. Kestleman will be joined by Sam Alexander as Alan Bennett, William Gaunt as Underwood and James Northcote who will share the role of Alan Bennett. The full cast will also include Emma Amos, Lia Burge, Paul Hickey, Gabrielle Lloyd, David Shaw Parker, Steve Simmonds and Cat Simmons. In 1974, Miss Mary Shepherd, a homeless woman, temporarily moved her clapped out Bedford van into Alan Bennett’s front garden at Gloucester Crescent, Camden. She remained parked there for the next fifteen years. The Lady in the Van will conclude Jonathan Church’s inaugural season as Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Bath. His initial season of five plays included David Hare’s Racing Demon, Hugh Whitemore’s Sand In The … Read more

REVIEW: Richard II, Shakespeare’s Globe ✭✭✭✭

Richard II at Shakespeare's Globe

The result here is that this is more the Comedy of Richard II than the Tragedy of Richard II. There is an unseemly pursuit of laughter – characterisations are extreme, language is tossed aside in favour of quick laughs and the deeper, darker side of text and situation is left largely unconsidered. This is not to say that production is not entertaining – it is – but it is not a production which seeks to achieve anything in particular or which attempts to enliven or illuminate. In rather the same way as an accomplished school performance can leave you satisfied, so too does this production. It’s a great introductory point; if this is your first taste of Shakespeare, you won’t be disappointed. But if you come looking for insight or new perspectives, you will find none.