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Alan sent on his support
WEST Yorkshire playwright Alan Bennett has sent a handwritten message of support to Halifax Thespians as they kick off their new season with one of his plays.
The Lady in the Van, directed by Yvonne Kniveton, is the true story of Mrs Mary Shepherd, played by Jeanne O'Rourke. Mary was living in the street near Bennett's Camden Town home in London. Taking refuge with her van in his garden, originally for three months, she ended up staying for 15 years.
Bennett uses the device of having two actors playing himself to show both irritation and amusement at the situation.
The play required a van on stage and John Worrilow spent many hours building one especially for this production. In future the van may be hired out to other theatre groups.
In addition to Jeanne the play uses the talents of Kathleen Smith, Diane Sibley, Nigel Town, Kristina Boothroyd, Dorothea Annison, Colin Fine, Rob Billson and Derek Smith. The two actors playing Alan Bennett are Alistair Cheetham and Ian Byfield. Ian has happy memories of meeting Bennett.
The production will be at The Playhouse, King Cross Street, Halifax, from tomorrow (except Sunday) until Saturday, September 6 at 7.30pm. Tickets are 10 (concessions available) from the Playhouse box office, tel: 01422 365998.
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Weather for Halifax
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -1 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
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