The Shakespeare Ladies Club
T01907630832
Archive :: production:T01907630832, play:S856942585, venue:V1007551889
Production details
Coffee shops and tooth-worm, smuggling and mouse-skin eyebrows? Amid the fascinating trivia of mid-eighteenth century life, Mary Cowper De Grey recounts the true story of a group of Ladies of Quality who determined to make Shakespeare fashionable. The success of the Shakespeare Ladies Club echoes down the centuries. Mary also has a very personal tale to recount - her involvement with a young and ambitious would-be actor... David Garrick. Mrs Cowper De Grey then introduces her surprise guest - and the Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen of the audience are told a very different tale - of a London unseen by People of Quality. London in the mid 1700s: vivacity and prosperity, marvels and great achievements in art and science; when the first steps were taken to quell the squalor and brutality of life for the poor; and women were not staying at home, or keeping quiet... With every attention paid to detail, including historical accuracies, beautiful costumes and stunning, mood-setting scenery, Alison Neil captures the essence of these historical figures with such potency you feel as if you know the characters intimately. Embarking on her acting career in ’78, Alison has worked extensively in theatre productions in the West End and country-wide. Her skills as a historical researcher have provided her with a second career producing scripts for visitor attractions including Newhaven Fort, Tonbridge Castle, ‘The 1066 Story’ and ‘A Smugglers Adventure’. She has also been a member of Past Pleasures, interpreting medieval history at the Tower of London amongst other roles. It’s this quest for knowledge that makes her one woman plays so believable and powerful and The Shakespeare Ladies Club promises to be an equally intimate performance where you’ll feel as though Mary Cowper De Grey has taken you personally into her confidence.
