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P R O D U C T I O N S > T H E D R E S S E R
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The theatre isn't what it was, but then it never was what it was.
This comedy depicts the frantic backstage life behind repertory theatre during the Second World War. Norman is the dresser to Sir, reminding him of his lines, organising him behind the scenes with quiet devotion. A cast of extraordinary, strongly painted characters
mingle with smart, funny dialogue in this thoroughly English comedy for anyone who ever loved the theatre.
book tickets
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W H E R E & W H E N & H O W M U C H
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at the Welsh Church Hall
£6 adults
£3 concessions
advance booking only
Online booking subject to a transaction fee
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Thu 28 September 2006, 8pm
Fri 29 September 2006, 8pm
Sat 30 September 2006, 3pm
Sat 30 September 2006, 8pm
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Norman
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Tim Saward
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Her Ladyship
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Khadija Cheetham-Slade
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Irene
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Jana Theron
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Madge
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Nicola Holland
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Sir
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Gary Adams
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Geoffrey Thornton
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Vaughan Prosser
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Mr Oxenby
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Colin Heinink
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Gloucester
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Andrew Booth
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Kent
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Matthew House
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Albany / Knight
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Paul Robinson
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Gentleman / Knight
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Basil Clarke
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P R O D U C T I O N T E A M
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Director
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Chris Pethers
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Producer
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Jan Prendergast
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Stage Manager
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Jenny Moorby
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Front of House Manager
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Jackie Withnall
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Costume
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Victoria Bettelheim
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Lighting Design
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Simon Lyall
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Lighting Crew
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Ella Averill, Simon Lyall, Sarah
McLeod
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Sound / Props Assistance
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Peter Raggett
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Props Assistance
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Stephen Cahill-Hayes
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Publicity
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Jenny Moorby, Jackie Withnall
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Poster/Flier Design
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Tim Saward
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Programme Layout
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Phil Braithwaite
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Photography
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Robert Bettelheim
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Front of House Team
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Alister Agnew, Natasha Agnew, Stephen Balchin,
Ita Hill, Jim Killeen, Thos Ribbits, Jane Ridout, Monica Saunders, Anthony Townsend, Sacha Walker
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Images by and © Dave Gatward
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Download the mp3 recording of Khadija being interviewed
on Whipps Cross Hospital Radio on the 22nd September for the then forthcoming production
of The Dresser.
Whipps Cross interview (12Mb)
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Karen Hart: Ronald Harwood's bittersweet play dealing with the relationship between a well-respected actor
and his effeminate dresser was excellent.
The two main characters, 'Sir' and his dresser, 'Norman', were immaculately played. Gary Adam's portrayal of Sir's
complex, multi-faceted character was faultless, displaying anger, hopelessness, a maudlin sentimentality for a theatrical
life lost to the war and ultimately a belief that the show must go on - at any cost.
Tim Saward as Norman as the put-upon friend and confidant, delivered his lines with a wonderful blend of sarcastic
enlightenment. On several occasions he had the audience laughing out loud with his bitchy put-downs and his timing and
delivery were faultless.
The supporting roles were both polished and well cast, with Khadija Cheetham-Slade, as Sir's long suffering partner,
playing her part beautifully.
Nicola Holland and Jana Theron in the roles of Madge and Irene were convincing and Vaughan Prosser and Colin Heinink
as members of the company; Geoffrey Thornton and Mr Oxenby were a delight, creating memorable and humorous characters.
The scenery and props helped to instil a feeling for the year 1942, in which the play is set
and the split stage, depicting both Sir's dressing room and the stage wings, was a nice touch that worked
very well here. In fact the whole play was a delight, showing once again this group's dedication and
professionalism to the theatre.
I noticed I was not alone in having to wipe a tear
from my eye as the curtain came down, in what was ultimately a very moving production.
Guardian - October 26th 2006
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