It's the 1840s and Cranford, a small Cheshire market town, is on the cusp of great change. The railway is pushing its way relentlessly towards the town from Manchester, bringing fears of migrant workers and the breakdown of law and order. This classic tale takes a dip into the lives of a group of spinsters and widows who struggle in genteel poverty to maintain their standards of propriety, decency and kindness. Miss Matty Jenkyns is much-loved for her kindness. Meanwhile, her elder sister and fellow spinster, Miss Deborah - Cranford's moral guardian - enforces a rigid social code and dominates the town's women. The arrival of handsome new doctor, Frank Harrison from London, causes a stir; not only because of his revolutionary medical methods, but also because of the effect he has on many of the ladies' hearts in the town. A sensitive and moving portrait of life and manners in an English country village, which also packs a real emotional punch, promises to be a sure-fire hit with theatregoers of all theatrical tastes.| 23 Jun 10 to 26 Jun 10 | Derby Theatre Derby, Derbyshire Performance Details => Venue archive |
