Fifty years after this black comedy was written, it still packs a punch.
Sister George is a beloved character in the popular radio series Applehurst, a district nurse who ministers to the medical needs and personal problems of the local villagers. She is played by June Buckridge, who in real life is a gin-guzzling, cigar-chomping, woman, the antithesis of the sweet character she plays. She is often called George in real life. She lives with a younger woman, Alice “Childie” McNaught.
But ratings are falling and when June discovers that her character is scheduled to be killed, she becomes increasingly impossible to work and live with.
Marcus’s plays were noted for their strong parts for female actors, such as Sister George, his fourth play. It has enjoyed a resurgence, performed in London in 2011 and New York in 2012.
This play looks at relationships, will have you laughing as well as wondering who has the power and who is manipulating whom.
Cast and crew
Director
Jeffrey VaughanCast
June Buckeridge - Stefany FrostAlice McNaught - Kimberley Buchan
Mercy Croft - Lynne Keen
Madam Xenia - Marie Steele
Radio Voice - Gareth Treharne
Radio Voice - Andrew Cook
Radio Voice - Jeffrey Vaughan
Radio Voice - Rosemary Beresford
Crew
Stage Manager - Deanna BeckettLighting Design - Brian Byas
Art Work - Andy Frampton
Programme - Chris Brickell
Wardrobe - Nina Duke Howard
Set Construction - Ray Fleury
Set Construction - David Holmes
Photography - Martin Swann